On “Black Wednesday” Ruckus took over Venuti’s Banquets in Addison Illinois to put on another high profile night of fights.  The night of action saw three amateur and five professional mixed martial arts contests.  Read on for the full recap and quick results.

The first amateur bout of the night saw Tyrone Deal take on Rob Sandobal.  Sandobal quickly took the fight to the ground and landed in side control.  From there he worked small strikes to force Deal to make a mistake.  Sandobal nearly locked in an arm triangle choke but gave it up in favor of getting full mount.  Sandobal threw two punches and Deal gave up his back.  Sandobal continued the strikes forcing the ref to stop the action.

Heavyweights were up next as Bob Richie took on Ro Herrera.  Herrera came out swinging and swinging hard.  Richie covered up and defended the strikes well, but Herrera was able to land multiple uppercuts and knees.  Richie tried to take the fight to the ground but was unable to overpower Herrera.  At the end of the first Herrera started landing head kicks that nearly ended the fight.  In the second Herrera continued his assault with head kicks and punches knocking out Richie’s mouth piece.  The ref stepped in to put the mouth piece back in, but had seen enough and halted the action.

The final amateur bout saw Inkidto Shamoon take on PJ Cajias.  This was a back and forth contest with both fighters landing big strikes.  Early on Cajias caught Shamoon but Shamoon countered with a takedown attempt.  Both fighters started throwing haymakers and Shamoon connected to excite the crowd.  Cajias didn’t want any more of the stand up and went for a takedown only to put himself into a fight ending guillotine choke.

Opening up the night of professional action was current Ruckus bantamweight champion Chase Beebe take on Combat USA champion Josh Kasee.  Beebe came out the aggressor and never let up.  Beebe threw overhands to set up double leg takedown and got it.  Once on the ground Beebe worked several strikes including hammer fists, punches and elbows.  Beebe secured the mount position and Kasee gave up his back and quickly got back to his feet.  Beebe landed some strikes and grabbed a standing guillotine choke and transitioned it to a modified rear naked choke on the ground ending the fight.

The next fight saw Jake Murphy use his dominant wrestling skills for three rounds over Jeremy Czarnecki.  In all three rounds Murphy would take the fight to the ground and work several strikes trying to find a finish.  But Czarnecki defend well and at times had Murphy in trouble with reverse triangle chokes.  In the end, Murphy’s wrestling proved to be too much for Czarnecki and the judges all awarded Murphy the decision.

The third fight was supposed to feature Rob Meniguez and Giovanni Moljo.  Both fighters weighed in the day before but today Meniguez had to withdraw due to flu like symptoms.  The doctor checked Meniguez out and sure enough he had a fever and was no longer cleared to fight.

After a brief intermission Top Notch fighter Mike Santiago took on HIT Squad Romon Barber.  Barber was a late replacement opponent for Santiago.  Santiago quickly came out striking to set up a big double leg takedown that fans in attendance could feel.  Barber was able to improve his position as he forced Santiago into his guard but Santiago worked several body, body, head combos and multiple elbows.  The crowd started chanting for Santiago and he smelled blood as he unloaded his strikes like an automatic machine gun.  Santiago transitioned to a crucifix position and before he could land a second elbow, Barber gave up his back.  Santiago started targeting Barber’s ears and after nearly twenty strikes the ref ended the contest.

The co-main event of the evening saw William Hill take on Joe Bunch.  Bunch tirelessly worked for a takedown in each round, with it getting easier to get as time continued.  Bunch had a smothering top game consisting of short elbows and punches.  Hill at times tried to throw his legs up to work for a submission, but Bunch was able to posture out of any submission attempt.  In the third round Bunch opened up a cut on Hill and continued his relentless attack until the final bell rang.

The main event of the evening featured Carson Beebe taking on Randy Fuentes.  Fuentes and Beebe both last competed at “Ruckus Invades Navy Pier” each securing a victory.  The three round battle saw action everywhere.  In the first round Beebe took Fuentes down and worked post elbows and hammer fists trying to get a limb or a neck free but Fuentes stayed strong from the bottom and defended it well.  In the second round Beebe again took the fight to the ground, but Fuentes worked for an armbar.  He nearly had it before Beebe had to slam his way out of the submission. Every time Fuentes was able to start to get up, Beebe smothered him and kept him on the ground.  The third round started and both fighters looked tired.  Beebe again scored the takedown and worked to get Fuentes’s back.  Fuentes threw back elbows trying to reverse the position and at one point was able to get top position.  But Beebe’s wrestling was just a little too much for Fuentes and he reversed it.  Fuentes attempted another submission, but Beebe was able to escape and time ran out.  All three judges scored the bout for Beebe.

Amateur quick results
Rob Sandobal defeated Tyrone Deal by TKO at 2:29 of round 1
Ro Herrera defeated Bob Richie by TKO at :50 of round 2
Inkidto Shamoon defeated PJ Cajias by guillotine choke at 2:10 of round 1

Pro results
Chase Beebe defeated Josh Kasee by rear naked choke at 4:56 of round 1
Jake Murphy defeated Jeremy Czarnecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mike Santiago defeated Romon Barber by TKO at 4:01 of round 1
Joe Bunch defeated William Hill by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Carson Beebe defeated Randy Fuentes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Eric Kriegermeier suffered an undisclosed injury less than a week out for his fight against Mike Santiago at Ruckus 4.  Stepping up on short notice is HIT Squad fighter Ramon Barber for the “Black Wednesday” event at Venuti’s in Addison, Illinois.

Barber is on a three-fight losing streak after winning his first two fights as a pro.    Barber’s most recent loss came in September at XCF 13.  His opponent locked in a fight ending triangle choke in the second round, giving Barber his third loss.

Santiago is also coming off a loss from his fight at XFO Outdoor War in August.  Santiago trains out of Team Top Notch and is 2-1 as a professional.

Ruckus 4 is now re-finalized with the following bouts:

Carson Beebe vs Randy Fuentes

Rob Menigoz vs Giovanni Moljo

Ramon Barber vs Mike Santiago

Jeremy Czarnecki vs Jake Murphy

Bill Hill vs Joe Bunch

Chase Beebe vs Josh Kasee

Ruckus Entertainment has finalized their professional portion of “Black Wednesday’s” event.  Middleweight fighters Joe Bunch and Bill Hill are set to do battle inside the cage at Venutis in Addison.  Additionally Chris Garcia is out against Jake Murphy and Jeremy Czarnecki will be stepping up in his place.

Bunch trains out of HIT Squad in Granite City, Illinois along side greats such as Matt Hughes and Robbie Lawler.  Bunch has won three out of his last four, finishing all three opponents.  Of his three losses, two have come from current UFC stars in Gerald Harris and CB Dollaway.

Hill has competed four times this year having won two and lost two.  His most recent fight was at King of the Cage where he lost to Sam Alvey.  Hill has competed against several local favorites including Dan Bolden, John Kolosci and Ryan Sturdy.

Czarnecki made his pro debut earlier this year winning against Steve Milliron at Beatdown at the Ballroom.  His second bout against Vito Woods was a decision loss that was an action packed three rounds.  Czarnecki is stepping up on short notice to take on Murphy.

Ruckus 4 will take place on Wednesday November 24 at Venutis in Addison, Illinois.  The full professional portion of the card now looks like:

Carson Beebe vs Randy Fuentes

Rob Menigoz vs Giovanni Moljo

Eric Kriegermeier vs Mike Santiago

Jeremy Czarnecki vs Jake Murphy

Bill Hill vs Joe Bunch

Chase Beebe vs Josh Kasee

Eric Kriegermeier - phot by Brent Todd

A lightweight fight featuring two up-and-coming stars is on tap for Ruckus 4.  Eric Kriegermeier will be taking on Mike Santiago on the night’s professional card.

Kriegermeier recently competed at Bellator 25 where he defeated Santiago’s training partner Keoki Cypriano.  Kriegermeier is 2-1 as a professional and trains out of Team Curran.  Kriegermeier turned pro in February of 2010 and this will be his forth fight in the year.

Santiago had been scheduled to fight at Ruckus 3 and Chicago Cagefighting Championship, but injuries left him unable to compete on either card.  Now healthy, the Team Top Notch fighter is hungry for a fight.  Santiago’s last fight was at XFO Outdoor War 6 where he lost to Donavon Winters.

The current pro-card looks like:

Chase Beebe vs Josh Kasee

Carson Beebe vs Randy Fuentes

Chris Garcia vs Jake Murphy

Rob Menigoz vs Giovanni Moljo

Eric Kriegermeier vs Mike Santiago

Chris Garcia at Ruckus 3 - photo by Joey Hill

A lightweight matchup has been added to Ruckus 4 featuring Chris Garcia and Jake Murphy.  The two will meet on the night’s professional card on Wednesday November 24 at Venutis in Addison, Illinois.

Garcia recently competed at Ruckus 3 submitting Guilermo Serment by rear naked choke in the first round.  Garcia is now 2-0 as a professional and went undefeated as an amateur.  In all of Garcia’s mma contests, he has submitted all of his opponents.

Murphy most recently competed in a very grueling three-round battle with Mike Santiago at XFO 35.  The fight was arguably the fight of the night, however the split decision did not go in Murphy’s favor.  Murphy had made his professional debut two months prior but his first bout was ruled a no contest after an accidental head butt that caused a 2-inch gash on his opponent.

Ruckus 4 Professional Card now includes:

Carson Beebe vs Randy Fuentes

Chris Garcia vs Jake Murphy

Rob Menigoz vs Giovanni Moljo

Stay tuned to MMA Recap for all the latest on this exciting event.

Rob Menigoz at Ruckus 3 - photo by Joey Hill

The fights are being offered and signed quickly.  A fantastic bantamweight fight featuring two up and comers has been added. Rob Menigoz will be taking on Giovanni Moljo in the night’s professional portion of the card.

Menigoz recently fought at Ruckus 3 where he lost to Ruckus 4 main event fighter Randy Fuentes.  Prior to the loss, Menigoz was on a four fight win streak with notable victories over Charles Wilson and Anthony Marti.

After suffering the second loss of his career, Moljo has taken some time off to focus on improving his skills.  The bantamweight fighter trains out of Team Top Notch, which is home to Strikeforce veteran Pablo Alfonso.

Ruckus 4 takes place on Wednesday November 24 at Venutis in Addison, Illinois.  Tickets are available at ruckustickets.com

Carson Beebe at Ruckus 3 - photo by Joey Hill

Carson Beebe and Randy Fuentes will engage in combat on Wednesday November 24 at Ruckus 4.  The featherweight battle is expected to headline the night of action.

Both Beebe and Fuentes most recently competed at “Ruckus 3: Ruckus Invades Navy Pier” and were both successful in finishing their respective opponents at the event.

Beebe has been on a tare since turning pro.  Having won all five of his professional fights with his last four fights come by way of a submission and strikes.  “Lil Juggernaut” pushed a relentless pace against Gustavo Rodriguez on September 11 and will look to utilize the same tatic against Fuentes.

Fuentes is riding a two-fight win streak into the fight.  His lone loss of his career came at the hands of Bobby Reardanz at “Ruckus 2″.  His two victories since the loss have ended by split decision and rear naked choke.  Fuentes trains out of the HIT Squad and will rely on his fellow teammates who are all training for high-profile fights to prepare him for the fight.

This exciting fight is the first official fight for Ruckus 4.  Stay tuned to MMA Recap for more.

Ruckus Entertainment has announced they will be holding their fourth event on Wednesday November 24.  The night of action will take place a Venuti’s in Addison, Illinois.

No official fights have been announced, however several stars from previous Ruckus fights are being looked at for the event.

With the fight less than a month a way, look for a lot of news to be reported shortly for this event.

Ruckus Entertainment put on their second show “Ruckus 2″ last night.  Many fans praised the production of the first show, and the second surpassed the first.  Local DJ Julian “Jumpin” Perez kept the beats rocking through out the night of action.  Four amateur fights were capped off with six professional bouts.  Read on for the full results.

Nick Porter and Tyler Bird wanted to set the pace for the night.  Unfortunately there wasn’t a lot of action as most of the fight was spent on the ground.  Bird easily got the fight to the ground, but once there, couldn’t find a way to finish the fight as his opponent did a good job of controlling his head and arm.  While Porter was able to defend well, that didn’t earn him any points and all three judges scored it 30-27 for Bird.

Before the match started, Kevin Switella looked like Sean Anderson had just done something horrible to his family.  When the bell rang, both fighters respected each other’s striking game as they were both hesitant to throw a big shot.  Near the end of the first round, Anderson got a takedown but didn’t do much with it.  In the second round, Switella responded with a takedown of his own.  He was able to get full mount, but Anderson was able to roll out of it and punished Switella’s forehead with shots.  It was a close round and could have gone either way.  The third round Sitella spent most of the round trying to choke Anderson out.  While he couldn’t secure the tap, he was able to win the round.  Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough as the judges awarded the fight to Anderson.

The women were up next with Marcia Allen taking on Kim Novak.  Through out the entire three rounds, the women were typically jockeying for position from within the clinch.  Both fighters were able to take the other down, and in the end it came down to who did more damage.  The judges awarded the victory to Marcia Allen after three rounds of action.

The final amateur fight of the night saw Dan Borke take on Kris Blayney.  The first round was extremely close as Blayney scored a takedown, but Borke was able to get out of the troublesome position and secure Blayney’s back.  The second round showed the grappling skills of both fighters as they were able to sweep and reverse the position on each other.  Blayney wound up the better of the two as he ended the second round in full mount unloading punches.  The final round Borke used a trip takedown to land in side control.  From there he worked an arm triangle submission, but he couldn’t get the leverage he needed to finish the fight.  In the end, the judges saw Blayney as the victor.

Professional bouts
The opening professional fight saw Carson Beebe make his pro debut against Nate Williams.  Beebe controlled the action for the full fifteen minutes.  The rather lackluster affair saw Williams being taken down by Beebe, Beebe working to get a dominant position, Williams giving up his back, and rinse and repeat.  While there were some good strikes by both fighters, the fighters were rather predictable by the end of the third round.  In the end the judges awarded Beebe the victory.

Danny Black and Vince Ramos were both making their professional debut and only one could come away as the victor.  Ramos quickly shot for a takedown and got it.  Ramos then worked to get mount and threw punches in bunches.  Black bucked and rolled to escape and brought the fight back to his feet.  Unfortunately Ramos quickly worked a takedown and while Black attempted a submission, he wasn’t able to get it.  From the takedown, Ramos worked a kimura that looked bad, but Black didn’t give up.  Black gave up his back attempting to get out of the hold and Ramos locked in the fight ending rear naked choke.

Bobby Reardanz needed less than ninety seconds to submit Randy Fuentes.  Both fighters exchanged kicks before Fuentes worked for a takedown.  After the takedown, Fuentes postured up, but Reardanz threw his legs up and was able to secure the choke.

Jay Ellis wanted to punish Tyler Combs as was evident in the stare down between the two before the bell started.  Ellis came out with a flying kick that missed.  Combs kicked Ellis’s leg, but Ellis caught the kick and used it to take the fight down.  From there he quickly moved to mount and landed several shots.  But Combs was able to sweep Ellis.  After a couple of short shots, Combs stood up and Ellis followed leaving his neck open.  Combs grabbed a guillotine choke and it looked deep, but Ellis broke free.  After escaping, the referee called time out and deducted a point from Ellis for grabbing the glove to break the choke.  At the restart, Combs caught a kick of Ellis, but Ellis jumped over Combs to get Combs’s back.  Again Comb’s rolled out of it and this time he started landing powerful shots. Ellis curled up and the ref called a halt to the action.

The co-main event saw Dustin Neace take on Toni Marti.  Marti opened the fight with a big overhand right followed by a takedown.  Neace defended well as Marti worked for a choke.  Neace pushed through it and wound up in Marti’s guard, but the choke was still there.  Neace forced his head out and grabbed Marti’s neck.  Marti reversed the position and again attempted a choke from within Neace’s guard.  Neace threw his legs up working for an arm bar, but Marti spins and worked for a leg lock of his own.  Neace spun out of the leg lock and was able to get Marti’s back.  Once there he sunk in a rear naked choke forcing Marti to tap.

The main event saw former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member, Jeremy May take on Chris Albandia.  Albandia landed a nice leg kick and then worked for a single leg takedown.  May defended it well and both fighters were clinched.  May with a big knee, followed it up with a good 1-2 combo another knee and finished it off with upper cuts.  Albandia looked to be in trouble and he shot for a takedown.  Albandia got the takedown, but May showcased his jiu jitsu by locking in a triangle choke.  Albandia didn’t give up and May worked several punches to Albandia’s head before being able to pull down on Albandia’s head sinking the choke in as tight as possible and earning the tapout victory.

Quick Results
Amateur Bouts

• Tyler Bird defeated Nick Porter by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Sean Anderson defeated Kevin Switella by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Marcia Allen defeated Kim Novak by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
• Kris Blayney defeated Dan Borke by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Professional Bouts

• Carson Beebe defeated Nate Williams by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
• Vince Ramos defeated Danny Black by rear naked choke 3:18 of round 1
• Bobby Reardanz defeated Randy Fuentes by triangle choke 1:22 of round 1
• Tyler Combs defeated Jay Ellis by TKO (ref stoppage) 3:13 of round 1
• Dustin Neace defeated Toni Marti by rear naked choke 3:53 of round 1
• Jeremy May defeated Chris Albandia by triangle choke 2:53 of round 1

The weight-ins for tomorrow night’s event took place earlier tonight at Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addison, Illinois.  MMA Recap was on scene to witness all the fighters step on the scale.  All fighters were on weight for their fights with the exception of both main event fighters, Jeremy May and Chris Albandia.  Both fighters weighed in at 188lbs and agreed to have the bout contested at that weight.

With less than 24 hours until the event takes place, less than 70 tickets remain for the 1400 capacity event.  All fighters expressed excitement for their fights tomorrow.

Full Weigh In Results include:
Amateur Bouts
    •    Nick Porter 145 vs Tyler Bird 145
•    Sean Anderson 145 vs Kevin Switella 145
•    Wilbert Jones vs Tim Duggan (weight was under the max 265 for both fighters, no weight specified)
•    Marcia Allen 135 vs Kim Novak 135
•    Kris Blayney 185 vs Dan Borke 184.5
•    Aaron Plumley 150 vs Dennis Dombrow 150 (catchweight)

Professional Bouts
    •    Demitrius Richards 205 vs Luke Burton 205
•    Carson Beebe 135 vs Nate Williams 135
•    Danny Black 145 vs Vince Ramos 145
•    Bobby Reardanz 152 vs Randy Fuentes 150 (catchweight)
•    Jay Ellis 165 vs Tyler Combs 165 (catchweight)
•    Dustin Neace 145 vs Tony Marti 145
•    Jeremy May 187.7 vs Chris Albandia 187.8

The weigh-ins for Ruckus Entertainment’s second show “Ruckus 2″ takes place tonight at Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addison, Illinois.  The fighters will step on the scale starting at 6pm and the doors are open to the public.

Venuti’s will also play host to tomorrow night’s action, which will see six amateur bouts and eight professional fights.  In the main event, Jeremy May will take on Chris Albandia.

The night features several local fighters including Toni Marti, Vince Ramos, and Carson Beebe.

Tickets for the event are nearly sold out and will more than likely be sold out by the time the fights take place tomorrow.  For ticket information visit www.ruckusentertainment.net

Ruckus Entertainment will put on their second show “Ruckus 2″ on Friday March 12 from Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addison, Illinois.  Six amateur bouts will kick off the night before eight professional bouts end the night.

Headlining the night’s action will be “Ultimate Fighter” veteran Jeremy May battling Chris Albandia.  Carson Beebe, brother to Chase Beebe, will be making his professional debut.  Another local fighter to make his professional debut at the event is Vince Ramos who went 7-0 as an amateur fighter.

The full card looks like:
Amateur Fights:

• Tyler Burd vs. Nick Porter
• Kevin Switalla vs. Sean Anderson
• Wilburt Jones vs. Tim Duggan
• Kim Novak vs. Marcia Allen
• Dan Borke vs. Kris Blayney
• Dennis Dombrow vs. Logan Anderson

Professional Fights:

• Adam Ward vs. TBD
• Ed Carpenter vs. Harley Hiner
• Luke Burton vs. Demetrius Richards
• Vince Ramos vs. Danny Black
• Carson Beebe vs. Nate Williams
• Toni Marti vs. Dustin Neace
• Tyler Combs vs. James Seipel
• Jeremy May vs. Chris Albandia

Ruckus Entertainment has just released two new fights for their March 12 event, “Ruckus 2″.  Kyle Watson (15-6) takes on Tyler Combs (12-4) in a welterweight match up and Dustin Neace (25-15) takes on Anthony Marti (7-2) in a lightweight bout.

Watson trains out of “The Hit Squad” and is currently riding a four-fight win streak.  Watson’s lone loss in the past three years came at the hands of Tyler Jackson in a hard fought close split decision at “Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Combat”.

Combs meanwhile is coming off a loss to WEC fighter Bart Palaszewski at XFO 32.  Combs currently holds the Midwest Fighting Championship welterweight belt.

Dustin Neace last saw action at “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers” in November of 2009.  The fight ended with a freak rib injury forcing Neace to submit to Jeff Curran.  Neace is currently riding a three-fight losing streak and is hoping his training at the Hughes owned “Hit Squad” will bring him just that.

Marti is currently 5-1 in his last six fights and is undefeated under the “Xtreme Fighting Organization” banner.  In all of Marti’s victories, he has submitted his opponent within the first round.

“Ruckus 2″ takes place on Friday March 12 at Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addision, Illinois.  The night will be headlined in a middleweight contest between Jeremy May and Chris Albandia.

Hot off the heels of announcing Vince Ramos making his professional debut at the March 12 event, Ruckus Entertainment has just confirmed that former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member, Jeremy May (6-6) will take on Chris Albandia (7-5) in the night’s headline bout.

May recently got back on the winning streak after defeating Casey Stillman in just 40 seconds at “XCF 10″ in October.  Prior to the victory May had been recovering from a broken collarbone and fractured number two vertebrae due to a freak accident in a dirt bike.  May competed on season seven of “The Ultimate Fighter” defeating David Roberts in the elimination round and losing to Matt Brown in the first round.

Albandia is just 1-2 in his last four fights with one being ruled a no contest.  Albandia has competed for many promotions including the XFO, IFL, and M1 Mixed Fight Championship.  Albandia trains out of the Midwest Training Center, which is home to Chase Beebe, Clay Guida, Kevin Knabjian and many other notable fighters.

Ruckus Entertainment will take place on Friday March 12 at Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addision, IL.  The current card looks as follows:
•    Jeremy May vs Chris Albandia
•    Vince Ramos vs TBA

If there is one phrase that can describe Ruckus Entertainment it would be “Service is Everything”.  While they are only about to put on their sophomore event, Ruckus Entertainment is seeing success few promotions have and they show no sign of stopping.  MMA Recap’s Brent Todd caught up with Ruckus Entertainment promoter Frank Defilippis to learn more about the upstart promotion that is making some big waves.

The first event was held in October and was an all-amateur show.  But that didn’t prevent Defilippis from treating it as if it was the biggest show of all times.  The first part was selecting a venue, as Defilippis knew that would set the stage for everything else.  So he went to a place many people wouldn’t think of at all: Venuti’s Banquet Hall.  Venuti’s is known in the Chicagoland area for being one of the best places has to have a wedding reception at.  In fact it is so popular that trying to book the venue for a Saturday or Sunday event is impossible for the next three years.

“We selected Venuti’s because it is gorgeous.  Everything in here is high class, and that is what we wanted to promote.“

But a venue doesn’t make for an entertaining show.  So Ruckus Entertainment brought in one of the top laser-light show companies as well as top dj’s for the event.  There was a tinge in the air that this was something special.  And the attention to detail for the fans of the sport passed onto the fighters.

The fighters could tell that this was going to be a big deal.  The very first fight had an amazing knockout that set the pace for the rest of the night.

Seating is one thing that was very important in the first event.  The sold out event saw over 1,300 fans of the sport watching.  The venue could hold more, but Defilippis didn’t want to sacrifice comfort.

“I’ve been to other shows where I buy a table and my chair backs right into the chair of the next table.  That isn’t comfortable.  We made sure we have a certain amount of space between the table, chair, and the next seat.”

The seating chart for the event is laid out very smartly.  From staggering tables so that there aren’t rows of people all blocking each other to table risers, there is an emphasis on quality.  But Defilippis saw room for improvement for the second show.

“We started with our seating.  We ordered table risers for more sections so that everyone who bought a table could have a clear view.  And we are bringing in more servers.  Last time we had one server for every seven tables, which wasn’t enough.  This time there will be one server for every three tables.“

Ticket sales are always the hardest part to run smoothly for any event.  But Ruckus Entertainment has made sure that it runs smoothly.  Especially being in the cold Chicago climate, they knew that people don’t want to stand outside waiting.

“We have two lines for tickets.  Those who need to purchase and will call for the tickets that were already sold.  The ticket got scanned, ID’s were checked by security, wristbands were put on, and then we had people escorting everyone to their seat.  The process was extremely quick and efficient.“

The first event they pre-sold about 75% of the tickets before the doors even opened and sold out before the first fight even took place.  The second event, fans will be lucky if they can purchase a ticket the day of the show.

“My goal is to be sold out before the event.  We’ve already sold a good amount and we are two months away.“

And the second event is going to be bigger.  While their first event featured all-amateur fighters, the March event will feature nine professional fights and five amateur fights.  Making the jump from amateur to professional is no small feat, but due to the success of the first show, they were able to do it.

“We had secured Jason Guida, brother to Clay Guida, for our main event.  However he recently suffered a hamstring injury and had to withdraw from the card.  We are still finalizing the details of our main event, but it will released very shortly.“

One thing that sets the promotions that will stay versus the ones that are one and done is the ability to see ahead of the next show.  And Ruckus Entertainment has already secured venues for future shows.

“We have finalized a lot of details for a different before even announcing it.  We are planning on holding two more events, one in June, one in July, before returning back to Venuti’s in October.  Our goal is to put on five shows this year and we have already locked down four of them.“

Ruckus Entertainment will be hosting their second show on Friday March 12 at Venuti’s Banquet Hall in Addision, Illinois.  Tickets start at just $35 for the evening.  Doors open at 6pm and don’t close till 2am as the venue will be turned into a large after party once all the fights conclude.

Stay tuned to MMA Recap for updates on the fight.