APFC Unleashed Oliver Vazquez – photo by Brent Todd

The main event featured Kevin Thomas taking on Oliver Vazquez for the lightweight title. Vazquez was quick to score with knees inside the clinch and tried for a standing guillotine which seemed to be the submission of the night. The two separated and Vazquez landed some good uppercuts as the first round ended. The second round the two clinched again and Vazquez took Thomas down. He stood up and wanted to drop a big punch but spent a lot of the time kicking Thomas’s legs before dropping down with the big punch. The third round Vazquez again scored the takedown but Thomas tried to finish with a heel hook. After getting out of danger from the submission Vazquez worked short punches to the head and body of Thomas to earn the unanimous decision.

The co-main event featured Jose Torres challenging Shawn Gee for the bantamweight title. The first round Gee landed several body shots as Torres tried to take him down. At one point he did and mounted him, but Gee just shoved him off and stood up. Gee continued his assault throughout the rest of the round and likely won based on damage. The second and third round were just as close, but likely for Torres. He took Gee down and threw small punches before Gee would stand back up. Torres started to land leg kick after leg kick, Gee just smiled and taunted but didn’t return fire. Torres landed a beautiful superman punch that seemed to piss Gee off more than anything as he quickly swarmed. But Torres weathered it and worked for a takedown again. The fight was extremely close and any of the rounds could have gone either way. In the end, Torres earned the unanimous decision and is the new bantamweight champ.

Egidijus Lialko and Stephan Von Aulock battled for the welterweight tile in the fourth title fight of the night. The two of them each obviously wanted a head kick knockout as it seemed like a battle of who could kick harder. Von Aulock started the fight landing some flashy spinning kicks, but Lialko kept pressing forward like a machine. No matter what Von Aulock landed, Lialko just walked forward. In the second round Lialko hurt Von Aulock with a high kick and then followed him to the ground and worked ground and pound. He nearly finished the fight, but time ran out in the round. In the third Lialko continued his assault and Von Aulock looked to just land a kick and get out. In the end Lialko was awarded the victory.

Pat O’Connor and Jason Belyew fought for the vacant light heavyweight belt in the third title fight. Belyew took control in the first as he was clearly landing more. O’Connor tried to finish in the first with a standing guillotine, but Belyew was able to escape. O’Connor took him down and Belyew worked for a triangle choke and then switched to an armbar. Unfortunately for Belyew time ran out in the round and he was unable to finish. THe second round the two clinched right away. Again O’Connor grabbed a standing guillotine and Belyew tried to punch his way out, but then was forced to tap.

Chad Mashinter took on Emilis Jaskevicius for the vacant featherweight title. Jaskevicius wanted to stand and trade while Mashinter tried time after time for the takedown. In the second round Jaskevicius defended the takedown with a guillotine and it looked extremely bad as he lifted Mashinter off the ground with it. But Mashinter got out and then scored a quick takedown. The fight was close all around, but Jaskevicius was relentless with his body punches while defending the takedown and that is what likely won him the rounds as Mashinter wasn’t successful with his takedown attempts most of the time.

The first of six title fights featured Luis Arriago taking on John James for his middleweight title. James came out with a high kick and then shot for a single leg. Arriago sprawled and tried to get his back. He wound up in side control, but James reversed. James then passed to mount but Arriago was able to pull guard. James surprised many including Arriago with a gogoplata attempt and Arriago was forced to tap to the champion.

Mike O’Connor struggled through out the three rounds to find his range against Jimmy Mareno. Mareno meanwhile was able to counter nearly everything O’Connor threw at him. Mareno was content just playing a counter striking game against O’Connor and that didn’t sit too well with some fans as they shouted boring on more than one occassion. Mareno landed several big hooks that seemed to stumble O’Connor, but he didn’t follow up and each time let O’Connor recover. In the end it wasn’t the most exciting fight, but Mareno earned the victory.

Nick Boulahanis scored the fasted finish of the night over John Massey. Massey rushed Boulahanis and ate a knee. The two clinched against the cage and Boulahanis ate some knees to the body. After separating, Boulahanis landed a big left and Massey went down. Four punches later and the ref stopped the fight awarding Boulahanis the victory.

Jose Mariscal missed a big punch and Jermy Rone ducked under and tried to take his back. He couldn’t get it and the two scrambled for position before standing. Big leg kicks by Mariscal but Rone scores a takedown. He tried to get Mariscal’s back and landed several hammer fists while Mariscal stood back up. Mariscal then had a huge takedown and passed to mount. Rone gave up his back and tried to sneak out from under Mariscal. Mariscal was ready for it though and held onto his arm and then secured a fight ending arm bar.

Super heavyweights were up next as Daniel James took on Mamadiev Elyor. Both fighters landed a big overhand right at the start. James then landed a big left hook that sent Elyor to the canvas. James jumped on top and started to rain down punch after punch and it looked like the ref was going to stop it, but Elyor started to defend and worked for a submission. James escaped and postured up and the heavy punches came fast. Elyor gave up his back and James went to town and the ref stepped in to stop the fight just before Elyor tapped to the strikes.

Otis Brumfield and John Marino put on an amazing fight. The two went back forth through out most of the fight. In the first Brumfield landed a low knee and after the restart Marino turned up the pressure. He was able to get Brumfield down and took his back, but couldn’t finish the fight. The second round he again took Brumfield down and threw punch after punch while working for a rear naked choke. Brumfield spit out his own mouth piece and then complained that it was out. The ref told him he couldn’t stop the action as he spit it out. The third round Marino attempted a takedown, but Brumfield was ready for it this time. He worked for a guillotine choke, but Marino was able to escape. Marino spent most of the round attempting a takedown, but Brumfield defended it well. In the end, the three judges scored the first two rounds for Marino and thus the fight.

Dustin Stusse is known for his wrestling and it was on display against Kevin Tadder. He immediately clinched and worked for a takedown. While he was unsuccesful with his first attempt, his second he was and landed in side control. He passed to mount and Tadder had a fantastic grip on Stusse preventing a lot of damage. The second round it was Tadder who shot for a takedown, but Stusse used a guillotine to take the top position. The two stood and Stusse took him down and again scored mount. Stusse postured up and started to throw punch after punch until the ref stopped the fight.

Heavyweights were up next as Angel Cabral took on Dakota Stanton. Cabral came out swinging with left hands before taking Stanton down. Cabral stood over Stanton trying to figure out which position he wanted to be in, all while landing short punches. He opted for the back and once it was in, he landed a couple more big punches before he snuck his arm under the chin of Stanton and secured the fight ending rear naked choke.

Rob Mesh and Anthony Gasso put on arguably one of the best fights of the night. The two ran to the center of the cage and started swinging at each other. Gasso landed the better as Mesh was hurt and went to the canvas. Gasso took his back, but couldn’t finish the fight. Mesh able to pull guard and worked for a guilotine choke. Gasso escaped but then Mesh took his back. Mesh then got the mount and finished the round throwing punches from the position. The two started the second much the same, standing and throwing. Mesh again was hurt and he shot for a takedown. He got Gasso’s back and then locked in a rear naked choke. At first Gasso seemed ok, but then he tapped and the fight was over.

The lone woman’s fight was up next as Rachelle Bacon took on Liz Roig. The two seemed content to stand in the center and throw punches at each other. Roig landed a straight right that bloodied up Bacon. Roig then went for a guillotine and pulled guard. The submission wasn’t there, but she used it to roll Bacon onto her back. Roig had the mount and started throwing punch after punch. Bacon gave up her back, but Roig continued her assault and the ref stopped the fight.

Dinisio Gilbert and Karamoatov Azaz went the full three rounds and fought to a draw. The first round Gilbert clearly won as he took Azaz down and worked punch after punch. Azaz tried to threaten with a submission, but Gilbert just used the opportunity to pass to mount. The second round was close as Azaz was stalking Gilbert, but Gilbert was landing more. Gilbert scored a takedown and and wound up in side control. Time was running out and he grabbed a guillotine choke but couldn’t finish as time ran out. The third round was clearly for Azaz, even after being deducted a point for an illegal knee. MMARecap scored the fight for Gilbert 29-27, but all three judges scored it a draw.

Jonathan King needed little time to finish Gerard Mills. King took Mills down and worked short punches. Mills turned onto his knees to shoot for a takedown, but King sprawled. King then threw Mills on his back and from side control landed four good punches. Mills tapped from the strikes and the crowd was rather deflated from the finish.

Donnie Simpson took the center of the cage against Justin Gray with jabs. He then shot for a takedown and got a big scoop slam landing in side control. Gray tried to threaten with a guillotine choke, but Simpson spun out and into Gray’s guard. Simpson worked short punches and Gray grabbed ahold of his arm and worked for an armbar. Simpson stood up and slammed Gray down not once, not twice, but three times. The third time was a bit scary as he timed and aimed it right, knocking Gray unconscious.

Nate Walker had a huge reach disadvantage against Khuseyn Kurbanov. The first round it didn’t seem to matter as Walker just closed the distance, grabbed ahold of Kurbanov and threw him to the ground. Kurbanov escaped, but Walker tried to finish with a guillotine. As the round ended, Walker landed a jumping spinning back kick to the crowd’s delight. The next two rounds Kurbanov used his reach and size to his advantage. Even when Walker closed the distance, he was able to stay standing for the most part. Walker tried with various attacks but Kurbanov seemed to be there first. Rounds two and three were very close, and the fight and could have gone either way. In the end all three judges scored it for Kurbanov.

Manny Vazquez’s strength is on the ground, and that is where he took Andrew Gates immediately. The first time it happened, Gates tried to counter with a guillotine choke, but Vazquez moved to side control to neutralize the choke. He spent the rest of the round punching Gates in the face and the second round was much of the same. The only difference in the second was Vazquez passed to mount. Vazquez nearly finished the fight in the second, but time ran out. In the third round he again scored the takedown and passed to mount. He worked several punches, then attacked Gates’s arm with an armbar and finished the fight with the submission.

Jerry Freeman tried to get to the inside of Al Corona, but was unable to as Corona kept him at bay with leg kick after leg kick. Corona then switched things up with a takedown attempt and got it. Freeman looked to have defended it with a guillotine choke, but Corona countered with a Von Flue choke and Freeman tapped.

Rick Gonzalas took the center of the cage and started throwing big punches at Dan Almario. Almario quickly clinched and landed a big knee to the belly. Gonzalas reversed the position and the two jockeyed for positioning against the cage. Almario then dropped for a single leg, picked Gonazalas up and slammed him to the canvas. Once on the ground Almario threw several quick punches and the ref was forced to call a stop to the action.

Steven Smith and Dalton Box came out and threw straight rights at the same time. The two then clinched and worked some serious body shots with Smith landing the better. Smith then landed a big knee to Box’s belly and Box went down. Smith jumped on top of Box and worked for a guillotine, but it wasn’t there. Box was able to escape and then got the mount. He started to punch Smith repeatedly. Smith rolled to escape, but didn’t finish and Box was able to get Smith’s back. He locked in a rear naked choke and Smith was forced to tap.

Danny Ortiz came out with a high kick against Jake Strazzanti, but Strazzanti just wanted to throw punches instead. He swarmed and Ortiz shot for a double leg takedown and got it. Ortiz passed to side control, but Strazzanti turned into him and stood up. Ortiz then didn’t let up the pressure as he started connecting with left and right hooks. One clearly got through and Strazzanti shot for a takedown of his own. Ortiz sprawled, then pulled a guillotine choke to finish the fight.

Tim Phinny was standing and looked like he wanted to unload a massive left against Mike Krause. Krause kept kicking the lead leg of Phinny, but then Phinny landed his left hand and Krause went to the ground. Phinny followed up with big left hands from side control. Krause wasn’t defending himself, and the ref was forced to stop the action.

Nick Cinnurasti came out with a big right hand that put Giovanny Tarrago on his butt. Cinnurasti took the mount and he waited patiently for the right time to punch. Tarrago tried to sneak out from under him, but it wasn’t there. Cinnurasti postured up and landed massive right hands that knocked Tarrago out cold.

Chris Conway and Fernando Fuentes put on an exciting back and forth fight. THe first round Conway took Fuentes down and worked punches. Fuentes tried to escape, but gave up his back. Conway nearly finished with punches and a rear naked choke, but time ran out. The second round the two started swinging with Conway landing the better in the exchange. He then got the takedown again and got the mount. From there he again nearly finished as his left hand was finding its mark over and over again. The ref warned, Fuentes, and he tried to escape. Conway grabbed ahold of his arm, but couldn’t finish the submission. The third round Conway scored a double leg takedown and spent the round on top of Fuentes throwing right hand after right hand. Fuentes did enough to hold on, but it didn’t matter as time ran out and the judges had an easy decision for Conway.

Kyle Starks wanted to get the fight to the ground as quick as possible against Justin Moore. He got the takedown, but Moore was quick to stand and work a guillotine choke. Starks escaped the choke and then countered Moore’s kick with a nice right hand. Starks caught a kick and took the fight to the ground again, but Moore was able to spin out from under and get Starks’s back. Starks fought out and started to throw punch after punch. He then quickly jumped to Moore’s back and locked in a fight ending rear naked choke.

The first fight of the night featured Ralph Howard taking on Konstantin Denev. The two fighter had a combined age of ninety three. Howard wanted to keep the fight standing, and showed off his flashy kicks. He nearly landed a spinning back kick that would have made for a short night. But Denev timed his takedowns and spent most of the fight on top of Howard working small strikes and looking for submissions. In the end, the two fighters put on a hard fought battle and the judges awarded the fight to Denev.

Quick Results
Konstantin Denev defeated Ralph Howard by unanimous decision 29-28, 30-27, 29-28
Kyle Starks defeated Justin Moore by rear naked choke at 2:05 of round one
Chris Conway defeated Fernando Fuentes by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
Nick Cinnurasti defeated Giovanny Tarrago by knockout at 1:39 of round one
Tim Phinny defeated Mike Krause by technical knockout at 0:42 of round one
Danny Ortiz defeated Jake Strazzanti by guillotine choke at 1:26 of round one
Dalton Box defeated Steven Smith by rear naked choke at 2:38 of round one
Dan Almario defeated Rick Gonzalas by technical knockout at 2:08 of round one
Al Corona defeated jerry Freeman by Von Flue Choke at 2:24 of round one
Manny Vazquez defeated Andrew Gates by armbar at 1:25 of round three
Khuseyn Kurbanov defeated Nate Walker by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Donnie Simpson defeated Justin Gray by knockout at 1:05 of round one
Jonathan King defeated Gerard Mills by tapout due to strikes at 0:43 of round one
Dinisio Gilbert and Karomatov Azaz fought to a draw 28-28, 28-28, 28-28
Liz Roig defeated Rachelle Bacon by technical knockout at 1:32 of round one
Rob Mesh defeated Anthony Gasso by rear naked choke at 1:46 of round two
Angel Cabral defeated Dakota Stanton by rear naked choke at 0:55 of round one
Dustin Stusse defeated Kevin Tadder by technical knockout at 2:00 of round two
John Marino defeated Otis Brumfield by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Daniel James defeated Mamadiev Elyor by technical knockout at 1:35 of round one
Jose Mariscal defeated Jermy Rone by armbar at 1:51 of round one
Nick Boulahanis defeated John Massey by technical knockout at 0:30 of round one
Jimmy Mareno defeated Mike O’Connor by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
John James defeated Luis Arriago by gogoplata at 1:34 of round one
Emilis Jaskevicius defeated Chad Mashinter by unanimous decision 30-27, 29-28, 30-27
Pat O’Connor defeated Jason Belyew by standing guillotine at of round two
Egidijus Lialko defeated Stephan Von Aulock by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 29-28
Jose Torres defeated Shawn Gee by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-29
Oliver Vazquez defeated Kevin Thomas by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27

TFC July 20 Poster

Friday, July 20th was another action packed fight card that took place at the historic Willowbrook Ballroom in Willowbrook, Illinois that featured thirteen fights on the Total Fight Challenge card. A lot of the card included fighters representing Top Notch, Elite, No Comment, Team No Ego, and many more fight gyms that had some talented armatures looking to showcase their skills in the Event.

The promotion’s main event was for The Total Challenge 205 pound Championship. Defending champion Dinnisio Gilbert faced Frank McMullin. Gilbert came into the fight representing No Comment, and McMullin came in fighting out of Elite Pro Gym. The fighters started out the contest feeling one another out. McMullin was able to get Gilbert against the fence, but was unable to work much offense. The two would separate feeling one another throwing kicks at each other. Gilbert remained patient, and waited for the right time to let his hands go. Gilbert pressed McMullin to the cage, and caught McMullin. Once Gilbert floored McMullin, he unleashed a flurry of strikes not allowing McMullin to answer back. The bout was stopped at the 2:37 mark of round one by way of tko due to strikes. Gilbert was victorious retaining is 205 pound TFC championship.

The co-main event will be one epic fight for the fans that were in attendance to remember for years to come. The fight was a 155 pound contest as Erik Rasmussen faced a tough, and quick Otis Brumfield. The first round began with Brumfield coming out fast swinging non-stop driving Rasmussen into the fence. Brumfield landed a huge flurry of shots very fast, but would end up landing a low blow on Rasmussen. Rasmussen would take up to five minuets to recover before action would begin. Once the action resumed, Brumfield continued to dominate the rest of the round. At the end of the first round, Rasmussen had a cut opened above the right eye.

Brumfield would continue to dominate the fight in the second round. A few times, Rasmussen would drive Brumfield into the fence. Brumfield would hang on landing shots to Rasmussen’s body. Brumfield was taken down later in the round, but would get to his feet. At the end of the second round, Brumfield was on top of Rasmussen throwing another big flurry.

By the third, and final round, Brumfield seemed to be up on the judges’ scorecards. At the start of round three, little did people know this would be one of the most memorable TFC rounds. The round started out with Brumfield coming on strong against Rasmussen. Brumfield attempted two big overhand rights, and missed. Brumfield managed to land jabs on Rasmussen in the round followed by kicks. Rasmussen showed his heart, and encouragement to keep going not giving up. Rasmussen was able to get Bromfield against the fence to try for a takedown. Brumfield would get off the fence landing a spinning back fist on Rasmussen, but Rasmussen again pressed forward again getting Brumfield against the fence. As the two fighters began to exchange, Rasmussen threw a combination and followed up with a kick to the head knocking Brumfield out cold. Rasmussen, behind on all three judges cards getting out struck, and having a cut that could get worse, came from behind to deliver
the knockout blow. Brumfield was down, and was carried out on a stretcher, but gave a thumbs up assuring the fans he was ok. Erick Rasmussen was declared the winner at 2:10 of round three by knockout with a head kick.

Before the main events took place, 11 other bouts were featured on the card. The undercard fights would bring some excitement to the fans as well leading up to the main event.

A couple of flyweight bouts (125lbs) took place on the card with one of them being John Weinert taking on Dave Gallegos. The fight began with Gallegos catching Weinert with a right hand. Weinert would answer back quickly throwing punches pressing Gallegos to the fence. Weinert would get Gallego’s back with Gallegos standing up. Weinert would take his time attempting to soften him up throwing shots to the body. Weinert would try to work for a submission before being shaken off by Gallegos. Weinert quickly would get Gallegos down getting his back, but was unable to do much offense ending round one.

Weinert landed left right combos to begin the second round. Weinert got a takedown on Gallegos, but just as he was getting to his feet to work strikes over Gallego’s guard, he was accidently caught with a low blow from an up kick by Gallegos. Action would resume, and weinert would dominate the standup landing shots. Gallegos attempted to throw back, but none of his punches would land effectively. Weinert drove Gallegos into the fence attempting a take down, but would get caught in a triangle choke attempt by Gallegos. The submission attempt seemed to be tight, but Weinert would remain patient. Weinert gave a thumbs up to his corner assuring them he was fine, and can make it out of the round. Weinert weathered the submission hold till the end of the round.

The third round started with the two fighters getting into an exchange. Weinert ttok down Gallegos, and just as Weinert went to move for a mount in Gallego’s guard, he was caught in a heal hook attempt. Weinert also took advantage at an exposed heal from Gallegos, and would attempt the submission. The two fighters would battle for the submission, Both Fighters, however lost the attempts, and would get back to their feet. Gallegos attempted a takedown on Weinert only to get caught in a guillotine choke. Weinert defeated Gallegos at 2:36 of round two by submission from a guillotine choke.

In a 155 pound bout Dan Bravo faced off against Brian Akias in what would be a close hard fought fight between the two fighters. The fight was a back and fourth ground battle with submission attempts. Round one was a battle with both fighters getting reversals. Akias almost caught Bravo in a triangle choke, but Bravo crawled his way out of it. Akias attempted an arm bar just as Bravo would get out of triangle attempt. Towards the end of round one, Bravo would Roll Akias raining down strikes from full mount position. Akias survived the strikes ending the first round.

The second round began with Bravo attempting a takedown only to be fended off by Akias. Akias would get a takedown on Bravo with Akias getting the back. Akias though, would get reversed with Bravo on top staying busy. The remainder of round two was Bravo staying on top of Akias keeping busy in Akias’s guard throwing punches ending the second round.

This fight seemed close going into the final round. Bravo landed a strong right that seemed to stun Akias. Akias drove Bravo into the fence getting Bravo in a clinch landing some knee shots. After the clinch with knees, Akias would get a takedown on Bravo landing a few shots. Bravo got to his feet, and the fighters separated. The two fighters would exchange with Akias getting the better of the two. Akias drove Bravo into the fence followed by another clinch with knees. Akias took Bravo down after his clinch with knees just before the final bell. Bravo went on to defeat Akias by a split decision.

The second flyweight bout of the night was a quick ending. Josh Naestri faced T.J Nestor. The fight began with the two feeling out one another for a bit. Nestor quickly went in for a fast takedown, but got caught in a guillotine choke by Maestri forcing him to tap out. Maestri would defeat Nestor at :34 seconds of the opening round.

The next fight featured was a 135 pound fight between Ray Bunker, and Brandon Shleder. Bunker started out the round as the quick aggressor taking down Shleder. As Bunker would stand, Shleder attempted several ankle locks. Bunker would escape Allowing Shleder to stand up, and the two would exchange blows. Bunker stayed the aggressive taking Shleder down staying busy with strikes ending round one.

Round two began with Bunker pressing forward landing punches. Bunker took Shleder down landing shots. Bunker went to pass Shleder’s guard getting a side mount landing shots. Bunker got back in Shleder’s guard getting top mount raining down heavy blows. Shleder would turn giving Bunker his back causing Bunker to really let his hands go. Bunker would continue to have Shleder’s back for the remainder of the second round landing strikes to Shleder’s head. As Shleder went back to his corner, he appeared very woozy. Shleder could not continue, and didn’t answer the bell by the start of round three, and immediately was walked out of the cage. Bunker defeated Shleder by tko of round three by way of corner stoppage.

A 205 pound fight took place as Brandon Toler faced Paul Amos. Amos attempted a standing guillotine early on in the fight, but was picked up and slammed by Toler. Amos got to his feet, but was pushed to the fence. Toler landed knees, and punches on Amos as he had him pressed against the fence. Amos attempted a standing arm lock while he was against the fence, but was unsuccessful. Toler took Amos down, and would remain in his guard staying busy till the end of round one.

Amos landed a right at the start of round two. Toler answered back with two kicks to the body. Toler attempted a takedown, but it was stuffed. Amos remained in top position just holding Toler not amounting any type of offense. Toler turned Amos over getting a chance at a submission attempt with a guillotine. Toler failed at submission attempt, but remained busy on top with the second round ending.

In the final round, Toler started strong landing a spinning back fist. Amos wasn’t phased much, but was drove into the fence by Toler. Amos stuffed Toler’s takedown attempt, and stayed on Toler’s back. Toler eventually got a double leg takedown on Amos, and stayed busy on top for the remainder of the fight looking to seal the victory. Toler would go on to win the fight over Amos by a unanimous decision.

The card’s only heavyweight bout of the night was Tomez Zwolen facing Anthony Gonzalez in what turned out to be a fast ending. The fight began with Zwolen coming out fast with punches driving Gonzalez into the fence using his weight. The two would remain in that position for the remainder of the fight as Zwolen used his weight On Gonzalez sinking in a standing neck crank. Zwolen was victorious at 1:28 of round one by way of standing neck crank.

At 155 pounds, Ryan Berry took on Alonzo Fuller. The first round started out as feeling out process followed by the fighters scrambling for position. Fuller took Berry down, but eventually was caught in Berry’s submission attempt at a triangle choke. Berry would sink the triangle choke winning the fight at 1:53 of round one.

The 170 pounders were featured on the TFC card as Chris Guitierrez faced Dominique Wilson. This fight was another back, and fourth on the ground with reversals. Guitiurrez would come on strong in the staying busy landing shots, and pressing the action getting more takedowns. Guitierrez defeated Wilson by unanimous decision.

In a 155 pound bout Jimmy Welter took on Alex Lemus. Welter started off the fight getting a take takedown on Lemus. Lemus was able to get back to his feet, and take Welter down. Lemus got a mount, and began to rain down strikes on Welter getting his back. Welter was able to get to his feet, and get Lemus in a clinch landing knees. Lemus was able to get Welter down, and take his back. As Lemus was on Welter’s back, he hit the back of welter’s head causing him to be deducted a point. Action resumed, and Lemus took Welter down, but the round was over.

At the start of round two, Lemus got a quick takedown on Welter. Lemus got to his feet standing over Welter throwing, and landing strikes before going in his guard staying busy landing more punches. Welter soon flipped Lemus over finally getting his first advantage in the fight. After seeming to behind up to this point in the fight, Welter got Lemus’s back, and sank in a rear naked choke winning the fight at 2:47 by tap out with a rear naked choke.

The second fight of the night was a 185 pound fight as Garfield Thompson faced Mike Hammell. Hammell appeared aggressive early at the start of round one taking Thompson down. Thompson powered is way out, and reversed Hammell taking his back going for a rear naked choke. Hammell went back to his back position, but Thompson got a full mount. Thompson unleashed a flurry of punches not letting up on Hammell forcing a tko stoppage due to strikes at 1:17 of Round one.

The opening fight on TFC card was a 145 pound fight. Diego Cruz faced Stanwell Mccullston. Mccuslton began the fight taking down Cruz. Cruz however, from his back, stayed busy throwing, and landing strikes on Mcculston. Cruz gave Mcculston his back as Mcculston looked for a choke softening up Cruz with shots before Cruz was able to get to his feet. The two would both be back on their feet trading shots until the end of the first round.

The second round began with Cruz driving Mcculston to the fence. The two would separate, but Mcculston instantly shot in on Cruz slamming him to the Canvas. Cruz remained calm before he reversed Mcculston, and began raining down strikes. Mcculston was unable to answer back forcing referee to call a stop to the action. Cruz defeated Mcculston at 1:32 of round two due to strikes.

Quick Results

• 145 pounds Diego Cruz defeated Stanwell Mcculston by tko due to strikes at 1:32 of round two.
• 185 pounds Garfield Thompson defeated Mike Hammell by tko due to strikes at 1:17 of round one.
• 170 pounds Jimmy Welter defeated Alex Lemus by submission at 2:47 of round two rear naked choke.
• 170 pounds Chris Guitierrez defeated Dominique Wilson by unanimous decision.
• 155 pounds Ryan Berry defeated Alonzo Fuller by submission at 1:55 of round one due to a triangle choke.
• 155 pounds Dan Bravo defeated Brian Akias by split decision.
• HWT Tomesz Zwolen defeated Anthony Gonzalez by submission at 1:28 of round one due to a standing neck crank.
• 205 pounds Brandon Toler defeated Paul Amos by unanimous decision.
• 135 pounds Ray Bunker defeated Brandon Shleder by tko due to corner stoppage. (Shleder doesn’t come out for the start of round three.)
• 125 pounds Josh Maestri defeated T.J Nestor by submission at :34 seconds of round one due to a guillotine choke.
• 125 pounds John Weinert defeated Dave Gallegos by submission at 2:36 of round three due to a rear naked choke.
• 155 pounds Erick Rasmussen defeated Otis Brumfield by ko at 2:10 of round three due to a head kick
• 205 pound TFC championship Dennisio Gilbert defeated Frank McMullin at 2:37 of round one tko due to strikes

The Odeum Sports Complex was invaded again with a night of amateur mixed martial arts for Summer Brawl. The main event featured the finals from the iron man tournament between Matt Braxx and Oliver Vasquez. The rest of the night featured an impressive twenty-five fights. Read on for the full recap and results.

The first round of the tournament featured Oliver Vasquez taking on Otis Brumfield. Vasquez’s strategy was to take Brumfield down and pick his shots. Brumfield in the first round was able to defend with guillotine attempts and shot back up when he was taken down. Unfortunately in the second and third round, he didn’t have as much luck defending the attempts and spent more and more time on his back working for a guillotine that wasn’t there. Vasquez was able to get to side control by his fourth takedown and started to land knees to the body. Vasquez moved on to the finals with a unanimous decision.

Matt Braxx didn’t want to waste time in his tournament bout against Dustin Stusse. After a leg kick of his that was countered with punches, Braxx went for a head kick that just missed. Stusse clinched and looked for a takedown, but Braxx was able to get the underhooks and scored a takedown of his own. The right hands came fast and furious and Stusse gave up his back. Braxx continued his assault and the ref was forced to stop the fight.

The main event featured Braxx taking on Vasquez for the sword and the three-fight pro contract for Chicago Cagefighting Championship. The first round Vasquez wanted a takedown but it wasn’t there. Braxx was the one with the takedown but Vasquez quickly stood up. The two traded punches and Braxx started to connect. Vasquez escaped and ran away, eating another punch before attempting another takedown. The second round the two were fighting for a takedown as neither had it. Braxx grabbed Vasquez’s arm, but Vasquez stacked him and passed to side control. He worked small punches to the body and head. Braxx tried for submissions, but every time Vasquez punched his way out. The third round was extremely close as Vasquez scored a takedown at the start. Braxx stood up and then worked offense of his own. He grabbed a guillotine choke and pulled guard, but Vasquez popped out. He then nearly had a triangle choke but again Vasquez escaped. The two stood up and Braxx scored a takedown of his own. Vasquez tried to sneak out the back with a single leg, and he was able to as time ran out. The fight was close and the judges were split in awarding it for Braxx.

The co-main event featured heavyweight Angel Cabral and Eddie Ecobar. The first round Cabral nearly landed a spinning backfist, but followed it up with a good one two that caught Ecobar. The two clinched against the cage and Cabral used the opportunity to get a single leg takedown. He passed to mount and was patient in picking his punches. Ecobar tried to escape and Cabral just switched to side control to end the round. The second round it was Ecobar who controlled the action. Most of the round was spent in the clinch against the cage, but when available, Ecobar landed knees and uppercuts from the position. The third round Cabral shot for a takedown and it looked like Ecobar was going to escape with a great sprawl. But Cabral ducked under and took the back. Ecobar escaped the bad position by putting Cabral in his guard, but he was unable to get out from under him as he rolled and Cabral passed to mount. Cabral locked in an arm triangle but Ecobar defended, breaking the submission. Cabral finished the round on top with punches to the body and won the fight.

A scary moment between Nick Turner and Anthony Gasso as Turner scooped up Gasso to slam him down. Gasso fought the slam and landed badly on his head. But he recovered and worked for a triangle choke on Turner. Turner tried to punch his way out and Gasso adjusted for an armbar. It wasn’t there and Turner finished the round on top with punches. Turner shot for a takedown after an overhand right and got it. But Gasso wasn’t going to take it lightly and started throwing punches from the bottom. Gasso’s punches looked like they were causing damage and Turner verbally submitted after a jaw injury.

Some confusion between Daniel Szwab and Dan Almario as Szwab landed knees to the head of Almario which many thought were legal. But the rules in the pre-fight locker room stated they weren’t and thus Szwab was deducted a point for his knees. After a second stoppage from a knee, Szwab opted to not even try to throw a knee to the body and instead unloaded uppercuts against the covered up Almario. Several landed, then a big right hand dropped Almario and the fight was over.

Donnie Simpson scored a quick takedown on Gerald Mills. Mills worked a high guard, possibly trying to trap an arm, but Simpson passed to side control. Mills tried to control the head of Simpson, unfortunately for him, Simpson used the opportunity to get the back. Once there, he sunk in a rear naked choke and Mills immediately tapped.

Jim Kernats and Heath Nicholson both looked like they had explosive power in their hands and wanted the other to feel it. Kernats shot for a takedown, but Nicholson defended well. After separating, he wanted to land kicks, but was being countered with left hooks by Kernats. Both landed a stiff jab, snapping their heads back. Kernats then shot for a takedown and Nicholson countered with a guillotine. Kernats popped out of it and was in half guard. He passed to mount and looked for a keylock but then opted to punch him instead. Nicholson gave up his back and Kernats sunk in a fight ending rear naked choke.

Wes Anderson took the center of the cage against John Strater but immediately ate a big punch to throw him off. Strater threw a combo, but Anderson avoided and landed punches and knees. Strater tried to duck under a punch, but Anderson instead threw an uppercut and Strater was knocked to the ground. A quick follow up strike and the ref stopped it, though it looked like a knockout.

Erskin Freeman loaded up a big right hand that just missed Core Menulty. The two clinched and Freeman slipped on the escape. Menulty followed and took the top position and got the back. Freeman rolled but Menulty kept his composure and took side control. He started to unload right hands. Freeman tried to escape, but couldn’t as time ran out. The two traded again and Freeman seemed to be running from Menulty. The two clinched and Freeman went for a takedown, Menulty grabbed a guillotine and the fight was over.

After a quick exchange of punches, John Rodriguez shot for a takedown and got it on Al Corona. Corona tried to counter with a guillotine choke, but gave it up to sit up and stand back up. Rodriguez stalked with punches before shooting for another big takedown. He quickly passed to mount, and Corona gave up his back. Rodriguez was able to get a rear naked choke and Corona tapped.

Matt Stoffle and Jason Bottemhaguen both stormed the center of the cage and started to throw punches to excite the crowd. They clinched and exchanged knees with Stoffle landing an accidental low knee. After the restart they again went back to the clinch and throwing punches at each other. Bottemhaguen reached over and grabbed a standing guillotine. It looked tight, but Stoffle defended by attacking his hands. After they separated, Stoffle with a half Muay Thai plum started to land punches and knees. Bottemhaguen countered with hooks, only to have Stoffle land uppercuts. Bottemhaguen looked in trouble, and Stoffle started to throw knees to the body with more uppercuts. Bottemhaguen had enough and verbally submitted before he took too much more damage.

The theme of the night was to have a game plan and shut your opponent down and Angelo Rivera was able to do that against Stephan Von Aulock. Rivera avoided the striking on Von Aulock by clinching and then scoring a takedown. Rivera showed promise by always being able to secure his position, but rarely was he attacking after establishing it. He nearly finished the fight with an armbar that Von Aulock gave him, but Von Aulock escaped just before time ran out in the second round. The third Von Aulock landed a body kick before being clinched and taken down. He wanted a triangle choke but Rivera again escaped and established his position. The fight showed Rivera’s wrestling base and given time to develop he could become a star.

Tim Kallas rushed Jose Marisal and scored a takedown. Marisal then attacked Kallas’s leg and worked for a takedown of his own. He shucked Kallas to the ground and then landed an axe kick to the belly of Kallas before jumping down into his guard. Kallas had good wrist control and looked like he me be setting up an armbar, but Marisal was wise and stood up and let Kallas stand as well. The second Marisal landed a straight left to Kallas’s nose that bloodied him up. Kallas again with the takedown attempt, but Marisal defends. The two scramble and it’s Marisal who ends up on top. He tried for a rear naked choke, it wasn’t there, switched to mount and then grabbed the fight ending armbar.

Probably the two toughest fighters to throw leather at each other were Jose Torres and Amador Estrada. Estrada nearly finished the fight in the first round with a bulldog choke, but Torress was able to escape. The two fought for position on the ground and it was Torress who got the back. He wanted the rear naked choke, but Estrada defended and turned into him and stood up. The second roud was close as both fighters decided to throw toe-to-toe. Estrada started to land but Torress just shrugged it off. Torress continued to taunt Estrada, then landed heavy bombs of his own. The third Torress again was connecting with big strikes before shooting for a takedown. Torress postured and threw punches, he went for the arm of Estrada but settled for his back. He worked for a rear naked choke, it wasn’t there. Estrada rolled into Torress and finished the round on top, but time wasn’t on his side for the decision.

Carlos Hernandez ate a big left hand from Jonathan King at the start of the fight. King then scooped him up and took him down. Hernandez gained guard, but King threw elbows and was warned, then stopped for the illegal strike. After a deduction and a restart, the two fighters looked to throw kicks. King again landed a straight right that dropped Hernandez. King rushed in and got the mount. He postured up and threw multiple punches. Hernandez gave up his back, but then reversed and was on top of King. King tried to push off Hernandez’s hips, but Hernandez sprung right back and got his back. Multiple punches and King wasn’t defending and the fight was stopped.

If you blinked you could have missed the action between Jake Palmer and Mike Ryan. Palmer attacked with a kick, but Ryan countered with a punch that sent Palmer to the canvas. Palmer tried to recover with a single leg takedown, but Ryan held his composure. In the scramble, Ryan got Palmer’s back and locked in a tight rear naked choke.

Lucas Janke and Antonio Sanchez put on an extremely high pace exciting fight. The first round the two went toe-to-toe with punches. Janke attempted a single leg takedown but ate several punches for his troubles. He scored the takedown but was swept. Sanchez worked punches but was threatened by Janke’s rubber guard. The second round the two looked to see who would flinch first from the punches and neither backed down. Janke again with the takedown attempt and got it. Sanchez timed a punch by Janke and locked up a triangle choke. After an adjustment, the choke was secure and Janke was forced to tap.

Justin Mora had a smart game plan against Brandon Andriola; take him down and control the fight on the ground. It worked as Andriola couldn’t find his way out from under Mora. All three rounds Mora was able to get the fight to the ground. Andriola was able to move a little, but only to force Mora into his guard instead of the side mount. Mora worked punches to the body to try and set up a better position. Andriola defended well and even scored punches from the bottom bloodying up Mora. But it wasn’t enough as Mora just controlled the action more to win the decision.

Kamil Broda scored not one, but two impressive slam takedown on Kuderian Douglas. Both times he was able to land in side control and quickly passed to mount. Douglas gave up his back and the first time it worked as he was able to escape. He swung wildly at Broda, before the second takedown came. Broda again passed to mount, and Douglas gave up his back. Broda immediately got his arm under the chin of Douglas and earned the tap out.

Ricky Stanton went to touch gloves with Austin Allen and immediately after, Allen attacked with a leg kick and punches. Stanton weathered the storm and got a takedown. Allen tried to for a guillotine choke, but Stanton escaped and passed to mount. He rained down punch after punch forcing Allen to give up his back. Stanton wanted the rear naked choke, it wasn’t there so he continued to punch. Allen rolled and gave up the mount, and as he rolled again to get out from under Stanton, Stanton grabbed his arm and locked in a fight ending arm bar.

In women’s action, Christine Sarricola had a visible size and reach advantage over Anne Malinoff. Sarricola used it wisely, landing punches and muscling her way to the ground. Malinoff defended everything that Sarricola threw at her well, including some deep submissions. By the third round, Malinoff switched strategies and tried for takedowns, but her size factored against her as Sarricola was able to defend and land multiple hammer fists. At the very end of the round Malinoff got her takedown, but it was too little too late.

Chris Conway immediately shot for a takedown and Sean Sanchez tried to counter with a guillotine. He was forced to let go and Conway passed to half guard and then to mount. Sanchez looked to give up his back, but used it to stand up. Conway immediately with knees and shot for another takedown. Sanchez locked in a tight standing guillotine but when he pulled guard to finish it, Conway escaped. Sanchez tried to get out from under Conway, but Conway rode the position and locked in a fight ending rear naked choke.

Tom Grimes came out aggressive against Jabari Dill with punches. Dill clinched but Grimes took him down. Dill attempted a guillotine choke, Grimes escaped and got the mount. He postured up and started unloading punches. Dill gave up his back and Grimes went to work on a rear naked choke. After a couple of attempts he finally got the arm under Dill’s chin and got the tap.

Randy Kwasigroch and Kyle Klien both looked exhausted at the end of the fifteen minute battle. Klien, an LA Boxing student, showcased his ability to land punch after punch and counter after counter. Kwasigroch was able to take a punch and kept coming forward. He started to throw head kicks at Klien with varying success. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as Klien’s boxing won him all three rounds on the scorecards.

Bill Shelton was getting the better of the Shaundell Golden in the first round. He shot for a takedown after eating some leg kicks, but Golden countered with a guillotine. Shelton got out of the submission attempt and then reversed with guillotine of his own. He transitioned and worked for a triangle choke the rest of the round. Golden defended well, trying to slam his way out, but never escaping. The second Shelton landed a big overhand right, before clinching. Golden landed an accidental knee to the groin and Shelton was unable to continue, rendering the fight a draw.

Quick Results

• Shaundell Golden and Bill Shelton ruled a no contest after accidental knee strike
• Kyle Klien defeated Randy Kwasigroch by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
• Tom Grimes defeated Jabari Dill by rear naked choke at 2:12 of round one
• Chris Conway defeated Sean Sanchez by rear naked choke at 2:04 of round one
• Christine Sarricola defeated Anne Malinoff by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
• Oliver Vasquez defeated Otis Brumfield by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
• Matt Braxx defeated Dustin Stusse by technical knockout at 0:42 of round one
• Ricky Stanton defeated Austin Allen by armbar at 0:58 of round one
• Kamil Broda defeated Kuderian Douglas by rear naked choke at 1:49 of round one
• Justin Mora defeated Brandon Andriola by unanimous decision 29-28, 30-27, 30-27
• Antonio Sanchez defeated Lucas Janke by triangle choke at 2:40 of round two
• Mike Ryan defeated Jake Palmer by rear naked choke at 0:35 of round one
• Carlos Hernandez defeated Jonathan King by technical knockout at 1:53 of round one
• Jose Torres defeated Amador Estrada by unanimous decision 30-27, 29-28, 29-28
• Jose Marisal defeated Tim Kallas by armbar at 1:19 of round two
• Angelo Rivera defeated Stephan Von Aulock by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
• Matt Stoffle defeated Jason Bottemhaguen by verbal submission (strikes) at 2:14 of round one
• John Rodriguez defeated Al Corona by rear naked choke at 1:16 of round one
• Core Menulty defeated Earskin Freeman by guillotine choke at 1:29 of round two
• Wes Anderson defeated John Strater by knockout at 0:31 of round one
• Jim Kernats defeated Heath Nicholson by rear naked choke at 2:52 of round one
• Donnie Simpson defeated Gerald Mills by rear naked choke at 0:42 of round one
• Daniel Szwab defeated Dan Almario by technical knockout at 1:43 of round one
• Anthony Gasso defeated Nick Turner by verbal tapout due to injury at 1:33 of round two
• Angel Cabral defeated Eddie Ecobar by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
• Matt Braxx defeated Oliver Vasquez by split decision 29-28, 28-29, 29-28

Cage provided by Kage Concepts

Summer Brawl Sword

Summer Brawl is returning to the roots of mixed martial arts and putting on an Iron Man Tournament. Four fighters will square off at the start of the card and the winners will fight again at the end of the night. Should one of the winners become injured and unable to fight, an alternate bout is in place.

The winner of the tournament will receive a three-fight Chicago Cagefighting Championship professional contract and a 54 inch King Soloman double edged sword. The six fighters scheduled to partake in the tournament include: Matt Brax vs Dustin Stusse, Oliver Vasquez vs Charlie Radke, and Otis Brumfield vs Dan Darby in the alternate bout.

In addition to the Iron Man Tournament, the night will feature a massive lineup of amateur fights with fighters from all around the Chicagoland area. The current card includes:
Hwy Angel Cabral vs. Eddie Escobar
160 Brandon Andriola vs. Justin Mora
135 Nick Turner vs. Anthony Gaso
135 Kamil Broda vs. Charles Davies
145 Al Corona vs. nick hernandez
145 Donnie Simpson vs. Shaun Sanchez
125 Amador Estrada vs Evan Lawson
205 Daniel Szwab vs Dan Alamario
155 Ricky Stanton vs John Rodriquez
145 Jason Martin vs. Mike Ryan
155 Jose Mariscal vs. Tim Kallas
135 Jose Torres vs. Kuderian Douglas
170 Shandell Golden vs. Bill Shelton
185 Heath Nicholson vs. Jim Kernatz
170 Claudiu Szenasi vs. Angelo Rivera
135 Antonio Sanchez vs. Lucas Janke
Hwy Wess Anderson vs. Andrew Navkis
155 Tom Grimes vs. Mike Wojtulewicz
155 Rich O’Riley vs. Aziz King
170 Wardell Cook vs. Kyle Klien
155 Aaron Williams vs. Jabari Dill
125 Nate Walker vs. Carlos Hernandez
130 Robert Zable vs. Jonathan King
145 Dan Reimer vs. Chris Conway
105 Anne Malinoff vs. TBD
145 Brea Gilbert vs. TBD
205 Corey McNulty vs TBD

For more information call 630-373-CAGE

Oliver Vazquez with Belt - photo by Brent Todd

MMA at The Max 2 took place on Saturday March 3rd at The Max Convention Center in McCook, Illinois. The night of action saw twenty amateur fights with six title fights. Read on for the full recap and results.

Kicking off the night of action was a super heavyweight bout between Sergei Grytsaienko and Kelan Moore. Moore opened the round with three kicks to set up a big takedown. He worked the entire round from side control trying to find a submission or a chance to posture up and punch his way to victory but Grytsaienko defended well. In the second round Moore again took the fight to the ground but Grytsaienko reversed and stood up. As Moore was getting up Grytsaienko landed a kick to the head of Moore and timeout was called for the illegal strike. Grytsaienko knew immediately that he was in the wrong and apologized before a point was deducted. After the restart Grytsaienko came out swinging hard and bloodied up Moore’s face even more. The start of the third Grytsaienko knew he needed a finish and nearly did as he connected with several punches. But Moore was able to survive and then returned fire of his own. The fight was a great start to the night of action.

Alex Fontanez came out strong against Jeremy Rone. He scored a quick takedown and tried to escape Rone’s guard and land his attacks. Rone was able to get up and both fighters clinched against the cage. Both threw knees and Rone looked for a guillotine choke. Fontanez fell back to escape and Rone capitalized landing in full mount. From there it was just a matter of time as he was teeing off Fontanez at will.

Ezykelo Sidney dropped Mike Hassett at the start of the fight. He nearly finished with a big right hand as Hassett was getting back up. Hassett composed himself and took Sidney down and ended up on top. He worked his forearm across the throat of Sidney and put enough pressure to force Sidney to tap.

The next fight featured Dennis Sherman and Sam Cruz. Sherman attempted a takedown immediately and was successful though Cruz just got back up. Sherman again worked for a takedown but fell back under the weight of Cruz. Cruz then in mount threw punch after punch. Sherman tried to escape by giving up his back and he was able to reverse and end up on top of Cruz. Sherman stood and pounded the legs of Cruz with big kicks. He then dove in for a big punch but fell into a triangle. Cruz adjusted the choke and Sherman fought it off as best he could. Cruz rolled and had a top mounted triangle. He rained down punch after punch until Sherman was forced to tap before the choke rendered him unconscious.

Fernando Fuentes made quick work of Dylan Wright. Fuentes immediately took the fight to the ground and got the mount. From there he started to throw small punches and Wright gave up his back. Fuentes quickly looked for the choke and after an adjustment had his arm under the neck of Wright. It was just a few seconds later that Wright was forced to tap.

Brittney Updike and Danika Thibault competed in a mixed rules bout. The first round was a kickboxing bout and Thibault controlled the action with punch combos followed by kicks and knees. Updike landed a good kick on Thibault but was unable to follow it up. As the round ended Thibault continued her assault of punches to the crowd’s delight. In between rounds the girls changed gloves and fought in a modified rules mma bout. The modified rule was no strikes to the head due to the fact that they were under the age of eighteen. Both girls threw body punches before Thibault took Updike down. She quickly worked a guillotine choke and after an adjustment got the tap.

In a confusing scorecard, Jan Manos defeated Stephan Vonaulock by split decision. The first two rounds Vonaulock wanted to trade kicks and punches, but Manos countered nearly every strike with either a hook or a takedown. Vonaulock tried to secure a guillotine choke on Manos to counter but could not lock it in. The third round Vonaulock was able to connect with his strikes, but it was too little too late. MMA Recap scored it 29-28 for Manos but the judges scored it 30-27, 28-29, 30-27.

Up next was an exciting striking battle between Brad Stanton and Darrell Edmonson. Both fighters immidately took to the center of the cage and looked to throw heavy bombs. Both were able to land a big punch that hurt the other. Edmonson started to find his range and Stanton couldn’t recover. The second round Edmonson took Stanton down and rained down punch after punch. After getting the mount, Stanton alternated giving up his back and being mounted. Edmonson started to connect on Stanton’s head and he was in trouble. The ref warned and the stopped the fight.

If you blinked you might have missed the action between Anthony Gasso and James Yarborough. Gasso came out from the gun just fired up and connected. Yarborough was on the defense and visibly hurt. Gasso continued to throw big right hands buckling Yarborough’s legs. Yarborough was nearly out on his feet and the ref stopped the action.

Josh Polk and John Box came to throw down. Both tried a body kick to start the round and both connected. Polk rushed Box with a series of punches and Box countered with a takedown. Polk worked a guillotine but Box was able to escape while passing to side control. He stood up briefly only to work a guillotine choke of his own, but that was a feint as he quickly passed to mount. Once on top, Box unloaded massive rights and lefts. Polk tried to escape, but Box continued his assault and the ref had no choice but to call the fight.

Another fast technical knockout came from Robbie Draski against Anthony Milton. Both fighters went for a high kick and both fell to the ground. Draski however continued to press forward and landed punch after punch. Milton was on the run and Draski kept chase. Both fighters fell again but this time Draski unloaded and Milton had no answer.

Emilis Jaskevicius came out with a big kick to James Brown. Brown worked for a takedown but it was Jaskevicius who scored it instead. Unfortunately for him Brown reversed and wound up on top. Brown worked punches but fell into a triangle choke after over extending his punch. Brown tried to slam his way out but it just sunk the choke in deeper and he tapped.

Dustin Stusse wanted to get the fight against Otis Brumfield down to the ground as quick as possible and he did. Brumfield tried to secure a guillotine choke, but was unsuccessful as Stusse moved to side control to escape. Once he escaped, Brumfield gave up his back. Stusse tried to get the guillotine choke and when it wasn’t there, transitioned to an armbar. The submission was in deep and Brumfield appeared to tap and the fight was over. After Brumfield shouted that he didn’t tap, but regardless the fight was over.

The first of six title fights was up next as Fallen Fox took on Scottie Fortner for her lightweight title. Fortner quickly kicked Fox, but she scooped the leg and took Fortner down. Fox was able to pass to mount and then worked an armbar. Fortner tried to escape and rolled correctly, but Fox was on top and continued the submission forcing the tap.

The vacant middleweight title was on the line between Luis Arriaga and Jonathon James. Arriaga came out strong with a leg kick and another but was quickly taken down. Arriaga reversed and wound up in mount on top of James. He worked several punches and nearly finished, but James was able to escape. James was trapped in a kimura, but once he worked his way out of that he started to throw big right hands. Arriaga worked to escape but James sunk in a guillotine choke. Arriaga tapped as he was going unconscious.

Sean Gee and Robert Lee put on one of the bloodiest fights ever. Gee landed several punches in the first round to open up Lee’s face. Gee wanted to stand and throw massive punches and it was working for him. He consistently landed his punches more and easily won the round. The second round Gee hurt Lee with a big right hand. Lee fought through it and in the last minute worked a submission. He had a top mounted triangle and worked both punches and an armbar from the position. It was a close round and could have gone either way. The third round Gee played a waiting game with Lee. Lee worked a takedown and got it. He passed to mount and looked for a guillotine, but Gee was able to escape. Gee swung wild punches and Lee returned as time ran out in the round. The round was clearly for Lee but the judges didn’t agree as two thought it was for Gee as well.

Superheavyweights were up next as Rick Farbo took on Tyler Reece for the APFC belt. Reece’s gameplan was to try and take Farbo down and work a ground game. Unfortunately he was never able to take Farbo down and ate multiple punches. When Reece wasn’t working for a takedown, the two fighters were either clinched against the cage or were in a brutal dirty boxing bout. The second round Reece didn’t land much and could have been scored a 10-8 for Farbo. In the end, one judge did score it that way.

The APFC bantamweight title was on the line as Mike Ryan took on Chris Conway. After a touch of gloves both fighters came out swinging and Ryan was the one who connected. Ryan buckled and Conway ended up in mount. The ref nearly stopped it but Ryan tried to buck. He couldn’t escape, ate five more punches and the fight was called off.

The main event featured Oliver Vazquez taking on the lightweight champion Sam Augshi. The fight was one of the hardest to score as Vazquez was able to take Augshi down with ease, but then Augshi threatened with armbar after armbar. The question was asked do you score the fight for the guy with thirty submission attempts that were able to be escaped or the guy who landed thirty punches? Both fighters were in danger a bit, but Vazquez was close to being finished. At least one round was scored for Augshi but it was a very difficult fight to figure out who won. In the end the judges scored the bout 29-28 across the board.

Quick Results
Kelan Moore defeated Grytsaienko by unanimous decision 30-26, 30-26, 29-27
Jeremy Rone defeated Alex Fontanez by TKO at 2:42 of round 1
Mike Hassett defeated Ezykelo Sidney by forearm choke at 1:05 of round 1
Sam Cruz defeated Dennis Sherman by triangle choke at 2:48 of round 1
Fernando Fuentes defeated Dylan Wright by rear naked choke at 0:53 of round 1
Danika Thibault defeated Brittney Updike by guillotine choke at 0:25 of round 2
Jan Manos defeated Stephan Vonaulock by split decision 30-27, 39-28, 30-27
Darrell Edmonson defeated Brad Stanton via TKO at 1:46 of round 2
Anthony Gasso defeated James Yarborough by TKO at 0:21 of round 1
John Box defeated Josh Polk by TKO at 1:41 of round 1
Robbie Draski defeated Anthony Milton by TKO at 0:46 of round 1
Emilis Jaskevicius defeated James Brown by triangle choke at 0:46 of round 1
Dustin Stusse defeated Otis Brumfield by armbar at 1:14 of round 1
Jonathon James defeated Luis Arriaga by guillotine choke at 2:03 of round 1
Sean Gee defeated Robert Lee by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 29-28
Rick Farbo defeated Tyler Reece by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-26, 30-27
Mike Ryan defeated Chris Conway by TKO at 0:17 of round 1
Oliver Vazquez defated Sam Augshi by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28

Fans who are wanting to get their money’s worth of fights should be checking out this weekend’s amateur mixed martial arts event MMA At The Max 2. The night of action is currently scheduled to have twenty-one fights with six being for championship belts.

The action takes place on Saturday March 3 at the Max Athletic And Expo Center in McCook, Illinois just outside of Chicago.

The full fight card currently looks like:
Main Event
Oliver Vazquez vs Sam Augshi

Co-Main Events
Chris Conway vs Mike Ryan
Rick Farbo vs Tyler Reece
Sean Gee vs Robert Lee
Quadrae Little vs Jonathon James
Fallen Fox vs Scottie Fortner

Fight Card
Otis Brumfield vs Dustin Stusse
Emilis Jaskevicius vs James Brown
Tyree Nettles vs John Box
Jon Manos vs Stephan Vonaulock
James Yarborough vs Anthony Gasso
Brad Stanton vs Darrell Edmonson
Fernando Fuentes vs Rob Morris
Robbie Draski vs Luis Arriaga
Ezykelo Sidney vs Mike Hassett
Sam Cruz vs Dennis Sherman
Alex Fontanez vs Jeremy Rone
Brittney Updike vs Danika Thibault
Gerald Wright vs Robert Maloy
Melvin Sidney vs Dan Amato
Sergi Grytsaienko vs Kelan Moore

Fightcard Entertainment put on their 44th show, Cross the Line 2012 on Thursday February 16. The night of action took place at Joe’s Bar on Weed Street in downtown Chicago. A total of eight amateur mixed martial arts fights and one women’s Muay Thai fight went down inside the steel cage.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Jeff Dunbar fund. MMA Consultants (the sanctioning body) donated all of their time, Kage Concepts donated all of their proceeds, the doctor on staff donated his time as well as several others. In addition to all the staff that volunteered their time, several items were up for raffle raising even more money for the trust fund.

If you blinked you probably missed the first fight between Gerard Mills and Jeremy Rennels. Both fighters came to the center of the cage and threw punches. Rennels then went for a takedown and got the back of Mills. Rennels snuck his arm under the chin of Mills. He adjusted his choke and Mills tapped as he knew it was just a matter of seconds before he would go unconscious.

Middleweights were up next as Ezekeio Sidney took on Hassan Umer. Sidney taunted Umer with his hands down and looked to strike. Umer quickly shot for a takedown and Sidney tried to counter with a guillotine choke. Umer however went to side control to escape the choke and did. From there he worked small punches and then switched to north-south and locked in a choke. He shifted his shoulder deeper into the throat of Sidney and forced a tap out.

Team Top Notch’s Rueben Marquez took on Team 110’s Eric Jachimiec in an exciting bout. Marquez worked leg kicks early, but Jachimiec looked to counter with left hooks. Marquez attempted a flying knee but couldn’t connect. He then opted for a different tactic as he took Jachimiec down and quickly passed to mount. Jachimiec tried to turn and shrimp out of the bad position, but Marquez held his base. He nearly finished the fight with a keylock and when that wasn’t working he transitioned to an armbar. With Jachimiec belly down, the submission was in deep quick and Jachimiec tapped before the snap.

One of the most exciting fights to ever happen inside the FCE cage featured bantamweights Danny Flores and Ceaser Ordorica. Both fighters came out swinging with Ordorica landing the better strikes. He caught a kick by Flores and took him down and rained down punches from within Flores’s guard. Flores escaped and stood up but Ordorica continued his assault. Flores started to find his range and the crowd was extremely excited by the damage that started to appear on Ordorica’s face. With five seconds left Flores landed a flying knee that sent Ordorica down to the canvas. He pounced and landed several punches. The ref halted the fight just before the round ending bell sounded prompting a minor confusion at first.

The first fight to go past the first round featured lightweights Trevor Adeszko and Rafeal Reyes. THe first round Reyes landed the better punches and caught kicks from Adeszko to take him down. Reyes worked punches while on top of Adeszko, but Adeszko was able to stand up each time. In the second round Adeszko wanted to counter the strikes of Reyes and then scored a big takedown. Reyes was able to stand up but ate a big knee. Reyes wanted a takedown of his own and ate a lot of punches from Adeszko without a successful takedown. The third round Reyes took the fight to the ground right away, but Adeszko escaped and took the back. He nearly finished with a rear naked choke, but when he couldn’t he opted to punch Reyes in the head multiple times. Reyes was able to stand, but Adeszko still had his back as they were standing. Adeszko landed two big knees that collapsed Reyes. Two punches later and the ref was forced to stop the action.

Lightweights were definitely putting on great fights as Otis Brumfield and Darrel Edmonson was a back and forth battle. The first round Edmonson controlled the action with his punches and his ability to catch kicks by Brumfield and throw him to the ground. Edmonson had his back and was throwing big bombs to the body and head of Brumfield but couldn’t finish as Brumfield was able to escape. The second round Brumfield ate a big right hand that sent him stumbling. Edmonson tried to capitalize on the damage but Brumfield escaped and landed a big knee. Brumfield then took the fight to the ground and quickly got the mount. He was working an arm triangle choke from the mount as time expired in the round. With the fight appearing to be tied up, both fighters came out swinging. Edmonson was the fresher fighter and it showed as he was able to get the takedown again. Brumfield escaped and was quickly dumped on his butt after another caught kick. Edmonson got the back again and tried to slide his arm under the chin of Brumfield. When the choke was finally in deep enough, the sound of the bell rang and the fight was over leaving the fight up to the judges. MMA Recap scored it 29-28 for Edmonson and so did all three judges.

Team Top Notch’s Nick Nagle came out strong against Trevor Rose. The two quickly exchange punches, before Nagle went for a takedown. Rose grabbed a guillotine and Nagle looked to be in trouble. Nagle tried to escape, but Rose held onto the choke through a stand up and a massive hip toss takedown. The two stood up and Rose tried to adjust his guillotine for a standing guillotine when Nagle landed an accidental low knee. After the restart Nagle landed a side kick and the two clinched. Nagle with another takedown and worked to get Rose’s back. Once he had the back it took just a matter of time before the rear naked choke was applied and Rose had to tap.

The co-main event featured a women’s Muay Thai bout between Jessica Heuer and Vanessa DeLa Garza. The fight was extremely close through out all three rounds. Both DeLa Garza and Heuer were able to land big punches and kicks through out. In the first round DeLa Garza sent Heuer stumbling with a counter right hand to Heuer’s leg kick. Heuer was able to get up right away, but she had no answer for the counter right through the entire fight. Heuer was the aggressor through out the fight always pressing forward, but DeLa Garza was able to land more strikes. The fight was extremely close with DeLa Garza winning the first round and Heuer likely winning round two. The third round was again close, and the judges were split in their decision awarding the fight to DeLa Garza.

Bryan Ortiz and Azamat Shogenov headlined the night of action in a bantamweight fight. Both fighters entered the cage undefeated and both left the same as the fight was ruled a no contest. Shogenov swarmed Ortiz from the start landing punch after punch followed by kicks. Ortiz stumbled and while he was a downed opponent he ate a kick to the head. Referee Rob Madigral called a timeout for the illegal strike, but the fight was waved off and ruled a no contest as Ortiz was ruled to not be able to continue.

Quick Results
Jeremy Rennels defeated Gerard Mills by rear naked choke at 0:13 of round 1
Hassan Umer defeated Ezekeio Sidney by north south choke at 0:52 of round 1
Rueben Marquez defeated Eric Jachimiec by armbar at 2:33 of round 1
Danny Flores defeated Ceaser Ordorica by TKO at 2:59 of round 1
Trevor Adeszko defeated Rafeal Reyes by TKO at 2:09 of round 3
Darrel Edmonson defeated Otis Brumfield by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Nick Nagle defeated Trevor Rose by rear naked choke at 1:45 of round 1
Vanessa DeLa Garza defeated Jessica Heuer by split decision 29-28, 28-29, 30-27
Bryan Ortiz and Azamat Shogenov ruled a no contest at 0:20 of round 1

Saturday April 23rd marked the return of Fightcard Entertainment to Joe’s Sports Bar in Chicago, Illinois. The fight lineup, titled “Vendetta”, featured a total of seven fights headlined by a Bantamweight contest between Abel Alvarado and Reggie Brown. The event is the first part of doubleheader lineup that includes a Muay Thai event by Fightcard Entertainment on Saturday April 24th at Jesse Oaks Food & Drink in Gages Lake, IL. MMA Recap’s DC Baker was on hand for the event.

The first bout of the night featured a pair of Welterweight competitors, Ricky Munoz and George Horton. The contest started out slow as each fighter looked for an attack point to disable the other. Munoz was the reluctant aggressor but literally fell short with his reach, landing very few strikes throughout the bout. Horton seemed fairly unengaged in the early rounds of the contest but managed to secure a series of takedowns that earned him early points. As the fight progressed into the later rounds, evidence of Munoz’s fatigue had grown much more apparent. Neither of the two fighters successfully controlled the fight by the end of the third round, although it was easy to see why Horton clinched the unanimous decision victory thanks to his five takedowns, scored at 30-27 and 29-28.