With legislation last year legalizing mixed martial arts in the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services for Ontario have issued licenses for several upcoming events such as the anticipated UFC 129 event at the end of the month, and Maximum Fighting Championship’s MFC 29 event which happens next weekend.
There still has to be a first event though, and that went down Saturday night, April 2 at Casino Rama in Orillia. The MMA: The Reckoning featured a list of local talent, as well as a few recognizable names in UFC vet Josh Burkman, WEC vet and Canadian fighter Chris Horodecki, as well as TUF 9 alum Dean Amasinger.
A crowed of 5,000 filled the venue who were more familiar with the shows referees than they were with most of the fighters. Overseeing the nights action were veteran referee’s Yves Lavigne, “Big” John McCarthy, and Dan Miragliotta.
Burkman faced Canadian fighter Jordan Mein in the main event, losing a unanimous decision to the Albertan fighter. While Horodecki picked up a quick submission win over American David Castillo to take his first win since his dismissal from the WEC after a loss to Donald Cerrone at WEC 53. Amasinger, who was a member of the British “TUF” team on the ninth season of the reality series, was cornered by fellow alum, and UFC lightweight Ross Pearson. The Brit met Canadian Matt MacGrath losing a unanimous decision to the Halifax fighter.
For more details on the event visit Sportsnet.ca.
The full MMA: The Reckoning quick results are as follows:
Jordan Mein def. Josh Burkman via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Chris Horodecki def. David Castillo via submission (rear naked choke) – R1 @ 4:24
Jason Young def. Jorge Britto via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Rob Hill def. Spencer Rohovie via submission (arm triangle) – R2 @ 1:42
Matt MacGrath def. Dean Amasinger via unanimous decision
Jason Saggo def. Taylor Solomon via submission (armbar) – R2 @ 3:25
Misha Cirkunov def. Ion Cherdivara via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Joel Powell def. Brandt Dewsberry via Submission (rear naked choke) – R2 @ 4:54