Battle at the Sun Review

Written by Tom “Captain America' Evans

February 15th, 2014

Hello RFS followers, we have made it to the beautiful Mohegan Sun casino. I made the drive up with well-known and respected professional boxing coach “Diamond” Dave Keefe. Our total trip time came out to two hours and eighteen minutes. While driving at times in the blinding snowstorm our car which had all wheel drive spun out on the highway. Fortunately for us “Diamond” Dave did not panic and we softly hit a large snow bank facing oncoming traffic. Also on our journey to the uncas ballroom we got stuck in a huge traffic jam. Diamond Dave and I decided to get out of the car to check what was going on. We discovered two cars stuck on the hill, both female drives seemed to be very nervous. Diamond and I decided the only way to try and get to the fights on time would to be good American’s and push the vehicles up the hill, so we could continue on our journey. We arrived at 7:20pm and where immediately informed the fights have been pushed back until 8pm.

So here we are covering the sixth Regional MMA event of the year. Promoter and legendry black belt martial artist Peter Rodgers Sr. has decided to bring his ASAP Fight Series back to Mohegan Sun. Mr. Rodgers is respected by many in the north east. Tonight’s main event features regional MMA fighter and #1 Heavyweight – Tyler King. He is representing Connors MMA. Tonight he is taking on the dangerous Eric “Lucky Stirkes” Bedard, who is representing Tri-Force MMA out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. King being the more experienced fighter comes to the cage with a record of 7-1, while his opponent is 5-4 in his pro career. Both of these guys fought back in 2012 and Tyler was victorious finishing the fight with a knee that knocked Bedard out in round 1 of the bout. Since then Tyler has gone on to rack up 3 more wins and take the #1 heavyweight spot in the northeast rankings. Tyler holds victories over Bellator fighter Josh “The Freight Train” Diekman and Travis Bartlett.

Some local stars in attendance: #1 Ranked 155 lb. fighter Luis “Rock Star” Felix, Joe “Lights Out” Pingatore, Keith “Sonic Boom” Jeffrey, Bellator MMA fighter Josh “The Freight Train” Diekmanm, judge/mma writer Nick Mahmood, Reality Fighting and NAGA owner Kipp Kolar, and Mike Dexter, and Pete “The Heat” Rodgers Jr. are all the people I saw in attendance for tonight’s action

Here we go, show starts at 8:18pm, about 400 MMA fans made the trip. Katrina Riberio sings a very nice national anthem to get us started.

Referees for tonight’s action: Kevin MacDonald (UFC Referee), and “Big” Dan Miragliotta (UFC Referee)

Side Note: Mohegan Sun Commission only allows strikes to the body from the ground if both amateur fighters have fewer than 3 fights experience. This makes it very interesting at times while on the ground, so let’s see how it goes.

Let’s get it on!!!

Amateur FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT (145 lbs) 3x3 minute rounds

Brok Hildebrand (0-0) Team Rogers vs. Carl Langston (0-3) Balanced Ground MMA

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Hildebrand lands a right outside leg kick to start. Both fighters exchange as Langston gets a nice hip throw takedown. Referee Kevin MacDonald calls the fight because Hildebrand screams in pain. It seems like Hildebrand’s shoulders separated in the takedown. After confirming with the doctor that is what exactly did happen.

Winner by TKO Ref Stoppage 0:23 Rnd. 1- Carl Langston, who improves his record to 1-3

Amateur LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT (205 lbs) 3x3 minute rounds

Gio Fiasconaro (0-0) Team Rogers vs. Robert Edmiston (0-0)

Rnd. 1

Both fighters are making their amateur debuts. Both fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Fiasconaro comes forward with a jab. Fiasconaro gets a nice takedown as Edmiston tries to come forward with punches. Fiasconaro transitions by taking the back of Edmiston. Fiasconaro beings throw punches to the body. Fiasconaro grabs ahold of the Emiston head as Edmiston stands right into a Guillotine choke. Fiasconaro pulls full guard position looking for the finish. Edmiston defends and both fighters scramble. Fiasconaro attempts an arm bar. Edmiston defends and passes into side control position. Edmiston takes the back of Fiasconaro working a rear naked choke submission. Fiasconaro defends and is able to sweep back into Edmistons guard. Fiasconaro stands and begins to punch from the top. Fiasconaro attempts another arm bar submission and Edmiston rolls into it to defend. Fiasconaro is able to transition into a full mounted triangle. Fiasconaro rolls on his back and works the triangle choke to end the round.

Rnd. 2

Round begins Fiasconaro lands a jab. Edmiston throws a left hook that finds the mark. Fiasconaro secures a double leg takedown landing in side control position. Fiasconaro begins to throw punches to the body. Fiasconaro sets up the americana arm lock submission. Fiasconaro has it, it is tight and Emiston is forced to tap.

Winner by americana Submission. 0:43 Rnd. 2- Gio Fiasconaro, who wins his amateur debut

Amatuer BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT (135 lbs.) 3x3 minute rounds

Marques Brewster (2-0) NEC vs. Nick Ortiz (0-0) Team Rogers

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and do not elect to touch gloves. Brewster lands a solid straight right hand that drops Ortiz. Ortiz recovers fast and is back up. Ortiz catches a leg kick attempt from Brewster. Brewster defends by kicking his leg back and transitions into a guillotine choke submission attempt. Brewster lets it go and unloads a nice five punch combination that has Ortiz stunned. Both fighters separate. Ortiz shoots in for a takedown and Brewster sprawls to defend. Brewster lands two nice knees to the body. Again both fighter’s separate and Brewster lands a nice jab, kick combination. Ortiz shoots again and Brewster defends. Brewster is able to power into a takedown landing in to Ortiz full guard position. Brewster stands in guard and lands punches from top. Ortiz kicks Brewster off and both guys stand. Brewster lands a nice left hook right hand punch combination and is able to secure a takedown if his own landing into full mount position. Brewster begins landing punches to the body. Brewster secures the position and lands more big punches to the body from top as the round comes to an end.

Rnd. 2

The round begins with Brewster landing an outside leg kick followed by another. Brewster throws a super-man punch and pushes Ortiz to the cage. Brewster lands a nice knee to the body, followed by punches. Referee “Big” Dan stops the action and calls in the doctor. The doctor deems Ortiz unable to compete as he needs stiches and is bleeding from his own unintentional head butt. The doctor and referee stop the action and it is ruled a TKO victory for Marques Brewster.

Winner by TKO Doctor Stoppage 0:25 Rnd. 2- Marques Brewster, who improves his record to 3- 0

Amateur LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT (155 lbs.) 3x3 minute rounds

Jose Rivera (1-0) Kipp’s Basement vs. Darryl Mayer (0-0) Team Rogers

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Both guys land kicks to start the action. Mayer is able to drive Rivera into the cage. Rivera reversers the clinch and puts Mayer against the cage. Rivera begins landing knees to the body. Rivera is able to use his under hook and get a takedown. Both guys scramble as Mayer ends up on top in side control position. Rivera attempts to shrimp as Mayer drives Rivers into the cage. Rivera is able to defend and pull guard. Mayer lands nice punches to the body as the round ends with him on top.

Rnd. 2

Rivera lands a a nice punch combination to start the round. Mayer secures a double leg takedown landing in side control position. Mayer transitions into full mount and begins to throw punches from the top. Rivera defends by shrimping and bucking but is unable to get Mayer off of him. Mayer begins to throw more punches to the body. Rivera is able to defend and obtain half guard position. The round ends with Mayer on top.

Rnd. 3

The round begins with Rivera circling. Rivera lands a nice outside leg kick as Mayer counters with punches. Rivera lands another outside leg kick followed by a right hand that lands. Rivera throws another right hand that wobbles Mayer. Mayer however is able to get a big double leg takedown landing in Rivera’s full guard position. Rivera is able to kick Mayer off and force the stand. Rivera lands another outside leg kick. Mayer jabs as Rivera has his hands down and faints. Rivera comes forward with a jab, cross punch combination but Mayer is able to secure another takedown. Mayer drive Rivera to the cage as Rivera is working hard to stand. Mayer secures the takedown again as Rivera seems frustrated to end the round

Winner by judge’s unanimous decision 29-28- Darryl Mayer, who wins his amateur debut

Amateur BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT (135 lbs.) 3x3 minute rounds

Kimi Haslip (0-0) Team Rogers vs. Kim Russell (0-1) Balanced Ground MMA

Rnd. 1

Both female fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Both fighters start fast by exchanging punches. Both girls force a clinch as Haslip drives Russell to the cage. Russell is able to force separation. Russell attempts a roundhouse kick followed by a side kicked that is blocked by Haslip. Russell drives Haslip to the cage. Haslip is the one now to force separation and defend. Haslip throws a left body kick followed by punches. Russell reverses Haslip into the cage as both fighters throw punches from the clinch. Haslip reverses Russell and begins to punch. Russell uses a headlock to reverse the position against the cage. Haslip is able to drive Russell back into the cage as both fighters clinch to end the round. HOLY CLINCH!

Rnd. 2

The round begins with Russell missing with a leg kick. Russell lands a nice jab, cross punch combination. Russell drives Haslip to the fence. Russell separates with a nice right hand that finds the chin of Haslip. Haslip fires back landing a two nice outside leg kicks. Russell forces the clinch and pushes Haslip off throwing another jab, cross punch combination. Russell and Haslip clinch once more against the cage. Both girls separate. Haslip lands another right leg kick, followed by a nice jab, cross. Russell drives Haslip to the cage once again. Haslip lands a right hand as they separate. Haslip lands a nice right body kick. Haslip throws a nice jab, cross combination again followed by another leg kick that finds the mark. Russell pushes forward with punches driving Haslip to the cage to end the round.

Rnd. 3

The round begins as both females are ready to go. Haslip lands a nice body kick as Russell again comes forward with punches to force a clinch. Russell lands nice front kick to the body. Both girls throw kicks that miss. Russell lands a nice outside kick but Haslip counters with a nice jab, cross punch combination. Russell drives forward with punches and is able to secure a takedown landing in half guard position. Russell lets Haslip up. Both girls exchange punches. Haslip forces a clinch. Russell lands a nice knee to the body and both females separate. Haslip lands two kicks to the legs. Russell again pushes forward with punches. Both girls land a jab. Haslip lands a nice right hand punch. Russell forces the clinch but Haslip is able to separate. Haslip lands two kicks but falls as Russell ends the round on top.

Winner by judge’s split decision 29-28- Kim Russell, who improves her record to 1-1

Professional FLYWEIGHT FIGHT (125 lbs.) 3x5 minute rounds

Dan Cormier (2-3) Tri Force vs. Ernesto Ornelas (1-4) Choi’s Institute

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Ornelas comes out throwing jabs. Cormier lands an outside leg kick. Cormier drops Ornelas with a nice straight right hand. Cormier charges in and controls Ornelas head and begins to punch. Ornelas gives up his back. Cormier begins to punch from top back position. Ornelas is able to stand and force the separation. Ornelas lands a nice left hook as Cormier counters with another straight right hand. Both fighters clinch and Cormier lands a nice knee to the body. Cormier drives Ornelas to the cage. Cormier secures a nice double leg takedown off the cage. Cormier lands in Ornelas full guard position. Ornelas is able to use a butterfly sweep to force the stand. Cormier drives Ornelas back into the cage and uses a nice Muay Lao clinch. Cormier separates and lands nice right elbows to the head of Ornelas. Ornelas now forces a clinch. Cormier lands a nice left elbow to the head. Ornelas forces a scramble and both fighters separate. Ornelas jabs, Cormier lands an inside kick to counter. Ornelas begins to find his range with jabs. Both fighters exchange punches. Cormier lands a nice outside leg kick again. Both guys jab but it is Ornelas finding the mark. Cormier lands a nice right hand as it forces Ornelas to circle. Both fighters land big punches again. Ornelas has Cormier hurt and throws a winging left hook. Cormier secures a nice takedown and ends the round on top. Cormier’s nose is bleeding pretty bad.

Rnd. 2

The round begins, Ornelas lands another jab. Cormier lands a nice outside kick to counter, followed by an inside kick. Ornelas lands a nice body punch. Ornelas again throws jabs to find his range. Cormier lands a nice inside leg kick followed by a right elbow. Ornelas again lands two jabs to the face of Cormier. Ornelas lands an outside leg kick followed by a jab. Ornelas is starting to pick up his pace. Cormier throws a super-man punch that misses. Both fighters exchange with Cormier landing a jab. Ornelas lands an outside leg kick. Cormier lands an inside leg kick. Ornelas throws an outside kick but it is counter by a Cormier right hand. Cormier lands another inside kick. Ornelas throws another nice long jab. Cormier pushes forward with punches but Ornelas counters with a nice left hook. Cormier lands a left hook of his own. Ornelas lands a strong right body kick. Cormier pushes forward again, with a left hook right hand combination. Ornelas lands a head kick that doesn’t do much damage. Cormier attempts one of his own but misses. Ornelas lands a nice jab, right cross punch combination. Cormier follows with a jab, cross combination of his own. Ornelas lands two more well placed long jabs and shoots for a takedown but it is stuffed by Cormier to end the round.

Rnd. 3

The round begins with both fighters exchanging punches. Both fighters land good right hands. A low blow kick thrown from Ornelas stops the action. Referee Kevin MacDonald gives Cormier time to recover. The round continues with Cormier fainting with a jab to the body. Cormier lands a HUGE, FAST, and POWERFUL right hand the Drops Ornelas. Cormier follows with two more punches and Ornelas is Out! Referee Kevin MacDonald has seen enough and stops the action.

Winner by KO 0:39 Rnd. 3- Dan Cormier, who improves his record to 3-3

Professional HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT 3x5 minute rounds

Tyler King (7-1) Connors MMA vs. Eric Bedard (5-4) Tri Force MMA

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and immediately King shoots in for a takedown. Bedard defends the takedown very well against the cage. King drives Bedard to the opposite side of the cage. King secures the takedown and lands in Bedard’s half guard position. Bedard grabs Kings head on the way down. Bedard controls Kings head and forces a scramble which leads to a stand. Both fighters are up and Bedard lands 3 HUGE Punches. The first an uppercut that DROPS King, the second a straight right hand that stumbles King, and the third right hand finishes Tyler King. Referee Dan Miragliotta has seen enough and stops the action.

Winner by KO 1:39 Round 1- Eric Bedard, who improves his record to 6-4 and upsets the #1 Heavyweight in the Region!

*Regional Fight Sports - Fight Night Awards*

Fight of the Night:

Dan Cormier (3-3) Tri Force MMA vs. Ernesto Ornelas (1-5) Choi’s Institute

Winner by KO 0:39 Rnd. 3- Dan Cormier, who improves his record to 3-3

Knock Out of the Night:

Tyler King (7-2) Connors MMA vs. Eric Bedard (6-4) Tri Force MMA

Winner by KO 1:39 Round 1- Eric Bedard, who improves his record to 6-4 and upsets the #1 Heavyweight in the Region!

Submission of the Night:

Gio Fiasconaro (1-0) Team Rogers vs. Robert Edmiston (0-1)

Winner by Americana submission. 0:43 Rnd. 2- Gio Fiasconaro, who wins his amateur debut

www.regionalfightsports.org