Driller Promotions and Sterling Entertainment Group were back at it again on Saturday night when they made their debut at the Myth in Maplewood for Mecca at Myth.
The 16-bout fight card included three amateur title fights and a card full of …
Driller Promotions and Sterling Entertainment Group were back at it again on Saturday night when they made their debut at the Myth in Maplewood for Mecca at Myth.
The 16-bout fight card included three amateur title fights and a card full of some of the midwest’s top up-and-coming talents across all weights and genders.
Admittedly, the event got off to a slow start, but once things picked up, they never seemed to slow down. Fans were treated to an entertaining show, topped off by the main event between Driller Promotions’ undefeated amateur welterweight champion Gary Granholm and challenger Kyle Todd.
Here are the results from the Saturday, August 10 fight card: Driller Promotions Mecca at Myth.
Invicta FC 6 is underway.
The main event will see the coronation of the inaugural Invicta FC featherweight champion. Marloes Coenen and Cris “Cyborg” Santos square off for the second time in their careers. The two pioneers will try to settle their scor…
Invicta FC 6 is underway.
The main event will see the coronation of the inaugural Invicta FC featherweight champion. Marloes Coenen and Cris “Cyborg” Santos square off for the second time in their careers. The two pioneers will try to settle their score once and for all.
In the co-main event of the evening, Ayaka Hamasaki squares off with Claudia Gadelha to determine the top contender for Carla Esparza’s strawweight championship.
Check your cable and satellite providers for pay-per-view information. The event is also available for $14.95 on Ustream.
Stay tuned here at Bleacher Report for full coverage of the sixth installment of Invicta FC.
Quick Results
Invicta FC Featherweight Championship: Cris Cyborg defeats Marloes Coenen by 4:02 of the fourth round
Claudia Gadelha defeats Ayaka Hamasaki by TKO at 3:58 of the third round
Lauren Taylor defeats Sarah D’Alelio by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Leslie Smith defeats Jennifer Maia by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Jessica Penne defeats Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:57 of the first round
Joanne Calderwood defeats Norma Rueda Center by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
When promotions fly under the radar in combat sports, so do the young prospect they aim to build over time. With just the right amount of noise, however, fans do begin to sit up and take notice of these promotions, as well as the prospects contractuall…
When promotions fly under the radar in combat sports, so do the young prospect they aim to build over time. With just the right amount of noise, however, fans do begin to sit up and take notice of these promotions, as well as the prospects contractually obligated to compete for those promotions. Of course, once spectators witness the talent and the potential of the prospects themselves, the inevitable question arises.
When will they cross over to the UFC?
This question should not surprise anyone. At least once a year, an MMA fan will ask that about at least one fighter whose talents do not reside under the UFC, but most fans normally ask the question in regards to a touted champion or former champion of a rival promotion.
Few prospects make enough noise to create the same demand as those more well-known fighters.
However, Ed Soares‘ Resurrection Fighting Alliance played a hand in bringing two undefeated prospects into prominence in recent months. In fact, the RFA crowned a new flyweight champion in 19-year-old Roufusport prodigy Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis and a new featherweight champion in Team Alpha Male standout Lance Palmer almost two weeks ago.
Pettis scored a KO win over Dillard Pegg while Palmer took a split-decision win from Jared Downing.
Some raise the question over whether Downing should still hold the gold, thanks in part to a number of groin strikes that went uncalled during the bout. Still, Palmer’s game plan proved effective enough to where he won the fight on two scorecards out of three, despite the point-deduction controversy.
Still, does that mean that the UFC should send a contract to either Palmer or Pettis at this point? After all, Pettis did dominate Pegg and unquestionably stood a strong chance of scoring a big win over original opponent Jeff Curran. Also, eliminate the groin shots from the equation and Palmer made a case towards coming back to win the fight.
Both of RFA‘s newly crowned champions made their cases towards a move to the UFC, but their time remains a win or two away. The two proved what they could do against solid up-and-comers, but for Pettis and Palmer to elevate to that all-important “next level” of competition, no better time exists aside from now for them to get a step-up in competition.
Until they get it, any rumors about Pettis or Palmer to the UFC will remain rumors until someone allows them the chance to cement themselves as major players in the future of the sport.
Despite an enormous amount of controversy, Fallon Fox is now officially set for her upcoming match at Championship Fighting Alliance 11.Fox (2-0) came in comfortably under the 145-pound limit (via Facebook), where she’ll face Allanna Jones (2-1) during…
Despite an enormous amount of controversy, Fallon Fox is now officially set for her upcoming match at Championship Fighting Alliance 11.
Fox (2-0) came in comfortably under the 145-pound limit (via Facebook), where she’ll face Allanna Jones (2-1) during the CFA 11 women’s featherweight tournament semifinals.
In addition to Fox vs. Jones, the event also features Strikeforce and Bellator veterans, including former UFC fighter Mike Kyle, facing late replacement Travis Wiuff.
Kyle was originally scheduled to fight Valentijn Overeem, but that bout was scrapped shortly after Overeem injured himself during training (via MMA Mania).
CFA 11 Main Card
• Mike Kyle vs. Travis Wiuff • Fallon Fox vs. Allanna Jones • Luis Palomino vs. Robert Washington • Elvin Brito vs. Sean Soriano • Czar Sklavos vs. Alexis Vila • Oscar Delgado vs. Mike King
Media attention around the event has dramatically spiked since Fox came out as the sport’s first openly male-to-female transgender athlete, brought to the public eye in an ESPN profile piece by veteran MMA journalist Loretta Hunt.
Moreover, the controversial fighter also gained a PR black eye last April, when Australian star Bec Hyatt detailed a heated confrontation at Invicta FC 5.
According to sources with knowledge of the event, Fox was trespassing at the Kansas City-based all women’s MMA promotion, reportedly threatening Hyatt and other female fighters while being asked to leave by the Invicta FC staff.
That kind of press may follow Fox throughout the CFA 11 women’s 145-pound tournament, where the eventual winner will earn both a championship belt and a $20,000 prize.
CFA 11 takes place on May 24 at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida, with the card to be broadcast at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on AXS TV.
McKinley Noble is an MMA conspiracy theorist. His work has appeared in NVision, PC World, Macworld, GamePro, 1UP, MMA Mania and The L.A. Times.
Although there was seemingly no end to the highlights of Invicta FC 5, it turns out that there was more action brewing in the locker room.Several rumors from within the all-women’s MMA promotion claim that infamous transgender fighter Fallon Fox was tr…
Although there was seemingly no end to the highlights of Invicta FC 5, it turns out that there was more action brewing in the locker room.
Several rumors from within the all-women’s MMA promotion claim that infamous transgender fighter Fallon Fox was trespassing at the April 5 card in Kansas City, reportedly attempting to bully several of the female competitors in attendance.
According to Bec Hyatt (via Facebook), Fox even sought her out to personally threaten her.
Hyatt’s husband first noticed Fox in the event area on the morning of the card, “staring daggers” at the one-time Invicta FC strawweight contender—which lead to both athletes having the following exchange:
As you’d all know though, I have a chip on my shoulder myself & am very stubborn, so I gladly partook in the silent staring contest for a minute or so until I inquired as to why she was actually staring at me. Fallon replied with “I’ll do what I want”, to which I laughed, said she is a joke & went back to my Facebook training in preparation of the nights contest.
I can’t remember exactly what Fallon then said, but it was along the lines of “I’m coming down there” in an angrier tone & as she went to put on her jacket, Invicta Fighting Championships matchmaker Janet Martin came out of an elevator & started talking to me. When I looked back up, Fallon & her friend were gone. The second half of our exchange was caught on camera but I won’t be releasing it 🙂
Hyatt also relayed that Fox appeared at the Invicta FC 5 after-party, attempting to apologize for her actions.
MiddleEasy first made the story public in their Sunday Rumor Mill column, stating that an “aggressive” Fox was trying to confront Invicta fighters (unknown to CEO Shannon Knapp), claiming that she had a crew from AXS TV with her:
Fallon Fox showed up to the last Invicta FC event and managed to get inside the area designated for fighters. She acted aggressive towards some of the fighters, so an Invicta FC exec asked her to leave but she refused.
Allegedly Fox claimed she had an AXS TV crew with her (which was false) and from what I’ve been told she wanted to get a confrontation with a fighter on camera to set up a future fight in Invicta.
Robert Sargent of women’s MMA-focused website MMA Rising further corroborated the report, claiming that his own sources attested to the rumor.
Of course, this incident is far from the first time that the 37-year-old Fox, a male-to-female transgendered former Navy operations specialist, has made major headlines for herself in the MMA community.
Fox’s gender status was first given public notice in an ESPN profile earlier this March, prompting outspoken reactions from many prominent UFC personalities.
Stand-up comedian and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan had the most to say about Fox during an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, arguing that she was “a man without a dick” and should be fighting with men.
Former NFL player and heavyweight prospect Matt Mitrione was suspended by the UFC after expressing his distaste for Fox on The MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting), calling her “a disgusting freak” who lied on a license application to “beat up” women.
Even Ronda Rousey commented on the entire issue in an interview with the New York Post, saying that while she didn’t agree with Mitrione‘s tone, she also thought that Fox had no business competing in the women’s MMA division.
McKinley Noble is an MMA conspiracy theorist. His work has appeared in NVision, PC World, Macworld, GamePro, 1UP, MMA Mania & The L.A. Times.
In a quick turnaround from their sellout show in March, the World Fighting Federation put on another stellar event for Arizona MMA fans. With a card that featured both amateur and pro fights, the WFF and their athletes made their first-ever appearance …
In a quick turnaround from their sellout show in March, the World Fighting Federation put on another stellar event for Arizona MMA fans. With a card that featured both amateur and pro fights, the WFF and their athletes made their first–ever appearance at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino as the proud guests of the Gila River Indian Community.
With their cage featured front and center in the intimate venue, the fighters took full advantage of a rabid MMA crowd and treated them to an amazing night of competition and fireworks. All the matchups had something to offer, but a few in particular were really memorable.
One performance that really stood out was that of amateur Justin Rascon who earned his second win in as many months. Fighting out of Boxing Inc. of Tucson, Arizona this young man made his MMA debut on March 2 and quickly made it clear that his lack of experience would not reflect in his competition.
Coming off a debut which saw the young fighter taken into deep waters and tested as he won a very impressive unanimous decision, he returned to the cage little more than a month later and seized another victory.
Securing a first–round armbar, Rascon was able to finish James Ramirez after a heated early exchange and scramble which saw the young Rascon again find his hand raised. It was the type of performance that makes fight fans remember a name and anticipate his next appearance.
In a potential fight–of–the–night performance, amateurs Jesse Van Dyke and Carlos Castro put on an all-out war that had the Arizona fight fans on their feet on more than one occasion. With repeated aggressive exchanges these two guys hooked up in the middle of the cage and really looked to bring the pain.
While Van Dyke had many strong moments that saw his striking really shine, it was the footwork, takedowns and mobility of Castro that really dictated the tone of the fight. Both fighters had strong moments in which they both performed well but in the end Castro leaned the opinion of the judges ever so slightly in his favor. Still, both fighters walked out of the cage proud and with their heads held high after putting on such an amazing scrap for the fans sitting cage-side.
In the first title fight of the evening, undefeated pro and local fan favorite Benny Madrid put his WFF lightweight strap on the line against Shawn Fitzsimmons of Las Vegas. Fitzsimmons traveled deep into enemy territory to face the champion Madrid and for his trouble was battered with precision and relentless striking.
Madrid was able to dictate the pace and control the exchanges all while showcasing an elevated prowess for striking as he defended his title yet again. Then Fitzsimmons succumbed to strikes midway through the second as the knees and strikes of Madrid forced the third man in the cage to call a stop to the action.
Madrid advanced to 8-0 and one has to imagine with his flair for the finish and deep following in the Arizona desert that it is only a matter of time before the phone rings and he is invited to compete at a higher level.
In a fight that can only be described as inspirational, amputee Matt Betzold looked to defend his flyweight WFF title against Gene Perez. Betzold did exactly that and once again he toppled the odds and the doubt when he answered the questions anyone may have had as they watched him dominate Perez on his way to a vicious guillotine choke in under a minute.
At first glance, Betzold may leave an MMA fan scratching their head as they watch a man without one of his legs take his corner inside a cage. Yet, win, lose or draw, every time he competes there isn’t a question left in the room other than “When is this guy competing again?“
He has been involved in many wars in front of his fans, but his last two bouts have been dominant performances that ended in lethal first–round submission finishes. The changes he has made to his training and approach to fighting have been paying healthy dividends and it will be exciting to see how he moves forward from this most recent title defense.
In the main event of the evening, Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo made his third appearance inside the cage since his debut in early March. Across the cage from him this time was Anthony Sessions of Jackson’s MMA.
There is no gentle way of putting it other than to say that Cejudo looked like a man among boys as he absolutely dominated Sessions to win the WFF bantamweight title. Repeated takedowns were the expectation and they came with a certain degree of ease which should be demanded of an Olympic medalist.
It was really the striking of Cejudo that left the strongest impression on those looking on. His lightning quick speed combined with powerful aggression was apparent in striking exchanges on both the feet and from the guard as he towered over his opponent.
His ground and pound was flawless and lightning quick, which is a testament to his commitment to becoming the total package, not just another great wrestler making the transition to MMA. The self-proclaimed “Inspiration” showed how capable he is of transitioning to MMA and to meet the demand of a sport that has such high expectations of even its most promising athletes.
Make no mistake, Cejudo is the real deal and it is only a matter of time before his career escalates. At the pace he is improving already, it won’t take long at all. It is worth noting that in the corner of Sessions was former UFC flyweight title contender John Dotson. While Cejudo just won the WFF bantamweight title, it was at 121 pounds that he won Olympic gold.
One has to wonder if Dotson was looking on wondering if it will only be a matter of time before he could be looking across the Octagon at the rise of the MMA career of Henry Cejudo.
While Cejudo was the celebrity of the night, it was a solid performance by all those who showed up to compete for the WFF and their guests this past Friday evening. Each and every athlete should have taken something back to their gyms with them to either build on or be proud of.
It was yet another step in the forward progress of one of Arizona’s premier MMA organizations. The staff of the WFF was able to live up to the reputation they have established as they put on another phenomenal show. The next one can’t come soon enough.
When promotions fly under the radar in combat sports, so do the young prospect they aim to build over time. With just the right amount of noise, however, fans do begin to sit up and take notice of these promotions, as well as the prospects contractually obligated to compete for those promotions. Of course, once spectators witness the talent and the potential of the prospects themselves, the inevitable question arises.