Warrior Nation XFA Review

Warrior Nation XFA

Written by Tom “Captain America' Evans and Manny Munoz

February 21st, 2014

Hello RFS followers, we have arrived at the beautiful Holiday Inn in Boxborough, MA. We are here covering the 8th Regional MMA event of the year. Promoter and Law Enforcement all around good guy Jesse Camp has decided to bring his Warrior Nation XFA MMA promotion to Boxborough for the first time. Jesse Camp is respected by many in the northeast. Tonight’s main event features regional MMA fighter and #8 Ranked Featherweight – Joe Pingitore. Pingatore is representing New England Combat. Tonight he is taking on the dangerous Taylor Trahan, who is representing Team Link North. Pingitore being the more experienced fighter comes to the cage with a record of 4-0-1, while his opponent holds a record of 3-1 in his pro career. Both of these guys had stellar amateur careers. This is the classic striker vs jiu-jitsu player match-up. Joe “Lights Out” Pingitore has recorded some vicious KO victories over his years in the cage. Taylor Trahan has won most of his fights by way of submission. This should be a great local main event.

Some local stars in attendance: Jeff “Scary Nickname” Nader, “Rockstar” Felix, Nate “The Snake” Andrews (who needs to stick to fighting and not spitting rhymes), NEF champ Mike Zichelle, Undefeated MMA Prospect “Notorious” Nick Newell, Mike “nobody cares about” Strazzere, and UFC Legend Jorge Rivera.

Here we go, show starts at 7:32pm, and The Holiday Inn is rocking with fans. One of the best ring announcers in the game John Vena is our announcer for tonight. Catherine Winston sings a very nice national anthem to get us started.

Referees for tonight’s action: Paul Asmart and Gary Eblen

Let’s get it on!!!

Amateur BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT (135 lbs) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Brett Kerpa (0-0) Ultimate MMA vs. Steve Karr (0-2) Gracie Farmington Valley

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Karr pushes forward with punches. Both fighters exchange strikes. Kerpa lands a nice body kick. Karr lands two nice body kicks to return. Both fighters land good punch combinations. Karr lands 2 solid jabs that force Kerpa to back up. Both fighter exchange once again and force a clinch. Karr drives Kerpa to the cage. Both fighters fight for their under hooks against the cage. Karr lands an illegal knee to the groin and the action is stopped. Referee Paul Asmart gives Kerpa time to recover. Both fighters begin by pushing forward with nice punch combinations. Karr lands a nice side kick. Karr lands a nice 1,2 punch combination to follow. A nice right hand drops Kerpa. Kerpa is able to recover and force the stand. Karr drives Kerpa against the cage and lands body punches to end the round.

Rnd. 2

The round begins with both fighters exchanging punches. Kerpa gets a trip takedown landing in the center of the cage in Karrs full guard. Kerpa begins to punch to the body and head. Karr does a nice job of controlling the head and defending. Kerpa stands up in guard and begins to throw punches. Karr is defending well. Kerpa postures up and lands 4 nice straight punches to the face of Karr. The round ends with Kerpa on top. Rnd. 3

The round begins as Kerpa lands a nice jab. Karr follows with a left hook to counter. Kerpa drives Karr into the cage. Both fighters work for position. Referee Asmart warns both fighters of inactivity. Karr is able to reverse his position and drive Kerpa to the fence momentarily; however Kerpa defends and puts Karr against the cage. Kerpa lands nice punches to the body. Kerpa attempts a Guillotine submission standing. Kerpa jumps for guard but cannot bring Karr to the mat. Kerpa drives Karr to the ground; however Kerpa is able to transition into a triangle choke attempt. The round ends with Karr holding the choke and punching.

Winner by Judges Unanimous Decision- Brett Kerpa, who wins his amateur debut. Amateur

FLYWEIGHT FIGHT (125 lbs) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Nate Russell (2-0) Fighting Arts Academy vs. Jesse Gutierrrez (2-2)

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and do not touch gloves. Gutierrez is the first to strike with a body kick. Bother fighter’s exchange punches. Russell lands a nice straight left hand followed by an outside kick. Russell attempts a takedown but Gutierrez stuffs the takedown nicely. Gutierrez lands a nice 1,2 punch combination. Gutierrez lands another nice straight left punch that backs Russell up. Gutierrez follows with a nice outside leg kick. Russell throws a left hook and pushes Gutierrez to the cage. Russell lands a nice knee to the body. Russell separates and lands a nice left hook to end the round.

Rnd. 2

The round begins with Russell landing a nice inside leg kick. Gutierrez follows with a low kick of his own. Both fighters clinch and Russell lands 2 nice knees to the body. Both fighters separate and exchange with punches. Both fighters separate again and Gutierrez attempts a head kick that misses the mark. Russell throws a nice 1,2 punch combination that’s lands flush on Gutierrez chin. Russell is able to follow him to the mat but Gutierrez recovers and forces a stand. Both fighters begin to throw heavy leather, most punches miss the mark. Gutierrez back Russell to the cage and lands a nice lead uppercut left hand punch combination. Russell circles off the cage. Gutierrez lands another nice punch combination followed by a nice knee to the body. Both fighters begin to exchange. Russell lands a viscous straight hand that drops Gutierrez. Referee Gary Eblen jumps in to protect Gutierrez from further damage. Gutierrez is out.

Winner by KO (viscous straight right hand) 2:42 Rnd. 2- Nate Russell, who improves to 3-0 Amatuer

Lightweight FIGHT (155 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Cody McMahon (0-0) CT United vs. Dan Bardellini (0-4) Rivera Athletics

Rnd. 1

Both fighters come out and do not elect to touch gloves. Bardellini shoots fort a takedown driving McMahon against the cage. McMahon reverses Bardellini. Bardellini defends with and under hook. Bardellini reverses and attempts a takedown. Bardellini is able to secure the takedown against the cage landing in side control position. McMahon attempts a Kimura submission off his back however Bardellini is able to defend. McMahon uses the Kimura lock to secure a nice sweep. McMahon is able to force a scramble and transition in full mount position. Bardellini gets a great sweep of his own from mount position landing in McMahon’s closed guard. Bardellini postures up and throws a nice punch that finds the face of McMahon. McMahon does a nice job defending by using over hooks. Bardellini stands and punches to end the round.

Rnd. 2

The round begins with McMahon landing an outside leg kick. Both fighters exchange punches as Bardellini shoots in for a takedown and drives McMahon against the cage. McMahon is able to take the back of Bardellini and drive him to the matt for a takedown. McMahon is able to control the scramble and control the waste of Bardellini. McMahon takes the back of Bardellini. McMahon lands 2 nice knees to the legs of Bardellini. Bardellini is able to force a stand and control the wrists of his opponent. McMahon drives Bardellini back down to the mat. McMahon lands more knees. Bardellini is able to again force the stand however McMahon secures his hooks and is able to work for the Rear Naked Choke submission. McMahon lets go of the choke and begins to punch. McMahon transitions into full mount position to end the round.

Rnd. 3

The round begins as Bardellini drive McMahon to the cage. Bardellini is working hard for the takedown. McMahon reverses Bardellini and begins to lands knees. Bardellini uses the knees to turn McMahon once again against the cage. Bardellini works for another takedown. Bardellini secures a nice takedown against the cage and land in half guard position. Bardellini begins to punch from the top. McMahon does a nice job defending. A scramble ensues and both fighters stand. Bardellini drives McMahon once again to the cage. McMahon begins to punch to defend as the round ends with Bardellini working for a takedown and McMahon punching.

Winner by Judges Majority Decision 29-28 – Dan Bardellini, who improves his record to 1-4

Amateur Featherweight FIGHT (145 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Shawn O’Dou (1-0) Team Ravenous vs. Nick Valentino (0-0) Sitmangpong

Rnd. 1 Both fighters come out and elect to touch gloves. Both fighter exchange punches. O’Dou lands a nice right hand that drops Valentino. O’Dou follows with more punches. Valentino stands as O’Dou attempts a guillotine choke submission and pulls closed guard position. Valentino is able to defend and get his neck out of danger. Valentino postures up and is able to pass guard and transition into half guard position. Both fighters’ work for position and Valentino lands a right hand. O’Dou is able to secure and over hook and begin to work for a triangle choke. O’Dou then transitions into an Omaplata shoulder lock. The round ends with O’Dou transitioning into an attempted arm bar/ shoulder lock.

Rnd. 2

Fighters touch gloves and Valentino drops O’Dou with a right hand. Valentino is able to transition in O’Dou full guard position, once again on top. O’Dou does a nice job again working an over hook. O’Dou transitions into a high closed guard position off his back. Valentino is able to pass into side control position. O’Dou is able to get is guard back but Valentino begins to punch from the top. Valentino stands up and lets O’Dou up. Both fighters exchange punches and circle the cage. Valentino lands a nice right hand followed by an inside leg kick. O”Dou pushes forward with a 1,2 punch combination. Valentino clinches and lands a nice knee to the body to end the round.

Rnd. 3

The round begins with both fighters pushing forward with punches. Valentino lands 2 nice leg kicks. O’Dou counters with a nice straight right hand. O”Dou throws a nice jab and left hook combination that land. O’Dou lands a a nice 1,2 punch combination again. Valentino counters with a inside leg kick. Both fighters throw punches that miss the mark. Valentino attempts a head kick that misses. O’Dou counters with a straight right hand that misses. Valentino lands a nice left body kick. Both fighters throw punches that miss. Valentino lands another inside leg kick. Valentino lands a nice body kick. Valentino connects with another nice inside leg kick as the round ends with both fighters standing.

Judge’s Decide a Draw - Shawn O’Dou (1-0-1) Team Ravenous and Nick Valentino (0-0-1) Sitmangpong. Great fight guys!

Amateur Welterweight FIGHT (170 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Connor Barry (2-0) DHT/DE vs. Carlos Correia (1-0) DCNU

Rnd. 1

Correia gets a nice trip takedown and lands in half guard position to begin the fight. Barry begins to punch and force a scramble. Barry stands back up and pushes forward with punches. Correia ducks under and gets a nice double leg take down. Correia attempts and arm bar submission. Barry defends well. Correia moves to full mount and lands big punches to end the round.

Rnd. 2

Correia get a nice hip toss takedown and lands in side control position. Correia transitions into to full mount and begins to punch. Barry turns to defend and Correia takes his back and secures a triangle body lock. Correia begins to punch to the body and head. Barry defends and is saved by the bell.

Rnd. 3

Correia attempts big overhand right that misses. Correia secures a double leg takedown and is falls into half guard position. Correia transitions into side control position. Correia is able to move into full mount. Correia postures up and begins to punch. Barry once again turtles up to defend. Correia again takes his back. Correia transitions into an arm triangle as Barry defends to end the round. Great ground work displayed by Carlos Correia!

Winner by judge’s unanimous decision-Carlos Correia who improves to 2-0

Amateur Lightweight FIGHT (155 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Myles Lynch (0-0) Connors MMA vs. Kevin Rey (1-0) NE Combat

Rnd. 1

Rey begins the fight by landing 2 nice body kicks and a right hand. Rey drives Lynch to the cage. Lynch defends and separates. Lynch lands a nice rear leg front kick followed by a nice 1,2 punch combination. Rey once again drives Lynch to the cage but eats some punches in the process. Lynch defends once again. Lynch reversers Rey and lands a nice knee to the body. The round ends with both fighters exchanging punches. Rnd. 2

Lynch begins the round with an over hand right that doesn’t find the mark. Rey attempts a body kick that is caught by Lynch. Lynch uses it to drive forward and secure a takedown. Lynch transitions into mount and begins to land nice punches. Rey turtles up to defend but in doing so Lynch takes his back. Lynch secures his hooks in and begins to work for the rear naked choke and gets Rey to tap.

Winner by rear naked choke submission, 1:14 Rnd. 2- Miles Lynch, who wins his amateur debut

Amateur Bantamweight FIGHT (135 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Ali Zebian (1-0) FAA Springfield vs. Alex Vinarsky (1-0) GFV

Rnd. 1

Zebian begins the fight keeping his distance and landing various kicks to the head and legs of Vinarsky. Zebian throws a big right hand that drops Vinarsky. Zebian follows Vinarsky to the mat and begins working in half guard. Zebian begins to land big punches from the top. Vinarsky’s nose begins to bleed. The referee has seen enough and stops the fight.

Winner by TKO referee stoppage due to punches 1:34 Rnd. 1- Ali Zebian who improves to 2-0

Amateur catch weight FIGHT (150 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Kenny Peralta (0-1) Ultimate MMA vs. Kevin Aurelien (0-2) Calasanz MMA

Rnd. 1

Peralta pushes forward with punches and gets a takedown. Aurelien shrimps and gets some space. Aurelien is able to defend and force a stand. Peralta again pushes forward and secures another takedown this time landing in full mount. Aurelien gives up his back and Peralta takes it. Peralta begins to throw heavy punches and the referee has seen enough. Peralta gets the TKO stoppage.

Winner by TKO referee stoppage due to punches 2:21 Rnd.1-Kenny Peralta who improves to 1-1

Amateur Flyweight FIGHT (125 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Nick Mancinone (2-1) FAA Springfield vs. Kris Moutinho (1-1) Rivera Athletics

Rnd. 1

The round begins with Mancinone pushing forward with punches. Mancinone lands a head kick. Moutinho follows it up with a nice right hand that lands. Both fighters exchange with punch combinations. Moutinho lands a nice right body kick to the liver followed by another flurry of punches. The left eye of Mancinone is now visibly swollen. Moutinho secures a takedown however Mancinone forces a scramble as the round ends.

Rnd. 2

Moutinho stuns Mancinone with a nice straight right hand. Mancinone falls but recovers quickly. Mancinone fires back with a head kick and 1,2 punch combination. Moutinho shoots in and gets a takedown landing in side control posistion. Mancinone is very active from the bottom and defending well. Moutinho is working the top but only get 3 punches in from the top to end the round

Rnd. 3

Moutinho lands two nice punches to start the round. Moutinho’s coaches tell him to set up the “Johnny Hendricks” and to keep circling to his right. Moutinho attempts a takedown but it is stuffed by Mancinone. Moutinho drops Mancinone with a straight left hand as Mancinone attempts to kick. Mancinone pop’s back up and recovers quickly. Moutinho attempts another takedown however Mancinone defends it with a guillotine choke attempt. Moutinho is able to secure the takedown and defend the choke. Moutinho transitions into side control to end the round.

Winner by judges’ unanimous decision- Kris Moutinho who improves to 2-1. Great Performance!

Amateur Featherweight FIGHT (145 lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

McLynn Cadiente (1-1) CT United vs. Grant Mosley (1-1) Florian MMA

Rnd. 1

McLynn is the first to strike landing a flurry of body punches to begin the round. McLynn pushes Mosley to the cage. Mosley throws up a flying triangle choke submission and falls to the mat. McLynn does a good job defending the triangle. Mosley transitions into an armbar. McLynn defends. Mosley transitions back to the triangle choke. McLynn is able to defend again this time forcing a scramble. McLynn forces the stand and hurts Mosley with a nice right hand. McLynn drives Mosley to the fence as the round ends. HOLY JIU-JITSU!

Rnd. 2

Mosley drops McLynn with a kick as McLynn comes forward. McLynn quickly recovers and stands. Mosely drops down and secures a nice ankle pick takedown landing in McLynn’s closed guard. McLynn is able to get a nice sweep however Mosley transitions into a nice triangle. It should be noted Mosley is about 6 feet four inches maybe even taller with very long legs. McLynn is able to defend the choke once again. Mosley transitions into an arm bar attempt as McLynn defends once again. McLynn forces a scramble however it is Mosley winning this one and landing in side control position to end the round.

Rnd. 3

Mosley secures a double leg takedown to open the round. McLynn attempts an arm bar of his own but Mosley is able to defend. Mosley transitions back into closed guard. McLynn begins to punch off his back. Mclyyn again throws up another arm bar which forces a scramble. McLynn is able to take the back of Mosley as the round ends..

Winner by judge’s unanimous decision-Grant Mosley who improves to 2-1.

Amateur Heavyweight FIGHT (225 + lbs.) scheduled for 3x3 minute rounds

Dan Randall (0-0) FAA Springfield vs. Kevin Smith (3-1) Youngs MMA

Rnd. 1

The round begins with Randall pushing forward with punches and putting Smith against the cage. Randall secures a nice double leg takedown off the cage. Smith is able to bounce back up. Smith connects with a nice right hand. Randall secures a nice hip toss to bring Smith to the mat. Randall lands in side control position. Smith is able to defend and force the stand. Smith drives Randall to the cage and begins to work a single leg takedown of his own. Randall is able to defend and secure a takedown. Randall moves to full mount and throws two HUGE punches that puts smith out cold. The Referee jumps in to save any more abuse as Smith stiffens up.

Winner by TKO referee stoppage due to big punches that put his opponent out! 2:12 round 1-Dan Randall

Professional Lightweight FIGHT (155 lbs.) scheduled for 3x5 minute rounds

Steven Carr (1-2) Strike Zone MMA vs. Addison O’Neil (0-1) DCNU

Rnd. 1

O’Neil begins the fight pushing forward and securing a quick takedown. Carr is able to defend and force the stand. However in the process O’Neil grabs Carr’s neck and works for the Guillotine choke. O”Neil has it tight, it looks really tight. However referee Gary Eblen does not see how tight the choke is. Carr is out for a long time and unfortunately the referee stops the fight late and Carr is choked unconscious.

Winner by guillotine choke submission 0:54 Rnd. 1- Addison O’Neil

Professional Catchweight FIGHT (150 lbs.) scheduled for 3x5 minute rounds

Ruso Khubejashvili (1-0) Connors MMA vs. Dominic Warr (5-3) Wai Kru

Rnd. 1

Warr begins the round very aggressive. Ruso counters with a nice jab, cross punch combination. Both fighters clinch and Russo lands a nice knee to the body. Warr is able to power through and secure a takedown, however Ruso secures a guillotine on the way down. Warr is able to defend and stands up in guard. Ruso lands 2 nice up-kicks to the face of Warr before Warr backs off and allows Ruso to stand. Both fighters stand and Warr throws a solid jab which opens Ruso up. Warr shoots in for a takedown however Ruso is able to defend with his great footwork. Both guys trade a series of punches. Ruso hurts war with a big right hand to end the round.

Rnd. 2

The round begins with Warr charging forward with punches. Warr backs Ruso up against the cage and works for another takedown. Ruso is able to defend and force separation. Ruso lands 2 nice jabs. Both fighters land big right hands. Ruso is bleeding everywhere! Warr lands 2 big left hooks that has Ruso hurt. Ruso begins to circle. Ruso counters back with a nice jab, cross punch combination. Both guys are standing in the center of the cage throwing punches to knock each other out! THE CROWD IS LOVING IT! Warr begins to get the better of the exchanges and backs Ruso up. Warr lands 3 big punches to end the round. Ruso is a bloody mess!

Rnd. 3

Everyone at the event is on their feet screaming as the round 3 bell sounds! Both fighters walk to the center of the cage. Warr begins to land nice jabs. Ruso pushes forward with a punch combination of his own however War counters with a nice right hand. Warr throws his signature “Tomahawk” flying hammer fist and connects on Russo’s face. Both fighters exchange with more punches. This crowd is going crazy! Warr lands a nice left hook and Ruso counters with a nice overhand right hand that finds the mark. Warr shoots for a takedown from the opposite of the cage and is stuffed by Ruso. Ruso attempts a Kimura and forces Warr to defend. Both fighters fall and Warr is on top defending the Kimura to end the round.

THIS COULD BE FIGHT OF THE YEAR! THIS IS CLOSE!

Winner by judge’s decision 29-28- Ruso Khubejashvilli. Who impoves to 2-0. WHAT A FAST PACED WAR

Professional Featherweight FIGHT (145 lbs.) scheduled for 3x5 minute rounds

Taylor Trahan (3-1) Team Link North vs. Joe Pingitore(4-0-1) NE Combat

Rnd. 1

Pingitore begins the round working his jab. Trahan changes levels and drive Joe to the cage and secures a takedown. Pingitore is able to get to a hip and sweep Trahan. Trahan defends and is able to force a stand. Pingitore lands a big right uppercut in the process. Trahan once again drives Pingitore to the cage looking for a takedown. Pingitore does a nice job defending however at one point does grab the cage. Trahan after much effort secures a nice takedown. Trahan begins working for a rear naked choke. Pingitore is defending well, using wrist control and a baseball grip as the round comes to an end.

Rnd. 2

Trahan attempts a body kick to begin the round but Pingitore catches it and lands a big right hand that brings Trahan to the mat. Pingitore follows him to the ground landing big punches from the top. Pingitore decides to let Trahan stand. Both fighters are up and Trahan once again shoots and gets a takedown. Pingitore is able to sweep and land on top. Pingitore once again lands big punches from the top. Trahan looks hurt. Trahan defends by shooting for a leg however Pingitore stuffs it and holds his head down landing more big punches. Pingitore again lets Trahan stand up. The round ends again with Trahan driving Pingitore into the cage looking for another takedown.

Rnd. 3

On the scorecards it looks to be 1-1. Pingitore and Trahan both come out and immediately Trahan shoots for a double leg takedown and gets it. Pingitore once again holds the cage however this time the referee sees it and takes a point from Pingitore. Trahan is able to transition to Pingitore’s back and lock a body triangle. Trahan begins to punch. Trahan synchs in a rear naked choke. Pingitore does a good job defending. Trahan throws more punches and finally secures the rear naked choke and Pingitore is forced to tap.

In the main event, Winner by rear naked choke 3:38 round 3- Taylor Trahan, who improves to 4-1. Great Fight

*Regional Fight Sports - Fight Night Awards*

Fight of the Night:

Ruso Khubejashvili (2-0) Connors MMA vs. Dominic Warr (5-4) Wai Kru

Winner by judge’s decision 29-28- Ruso Khubejashvilli. Who impoves to 2-0. WHAT A FAST PACED WAR

Knock Out of the Night:

Dan Randall (1-0) FAA Springfield vs. Kevin Smith (3-2) Youngs MMA

Winner by TKO referee stoppage due to big punches that put his opponent out! 2:12 round 1-Dan Randall

Submission of the Night:

Steven Carr (1-3) Strike Zone MMA vs. Addison O’Neil (1-1) DCNU

Winner by guillotine choke submission 0:54 Rnd. 1- Addison O’Neil

Warrior Nation XFA put on a great show in Boxborough, MA. It was run very well and effective. I am happy there was no 30 minute intermission. BADASS INC. did a great job as the clothing vendor and are great people. Jesse Camp runs a great MMA Promotion, I suggest everyone goes and supports his next event.

www.regionalfightsports.org