Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Written by: Rebecca Lee


LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Banner Promotions and the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV opens the doors to their first ever co-sponsored Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts event. UNLV Tickets offered event passes to anyone interested in the event - free of charge! Over 16,000 free tickets were given away to the public for the event.

The night began with four (4) boxing matches filmed live for ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Then a quick change of the canvas and the action in the ring turned to MMA with five (5) bouts scheduled for three 5-minute rounds each.


ESPN Boxing Results:

Grzegorz Kielsa defeated Alvaro Morales by Unanimous Decision after four (4) rounds

Jonte Willis defeated Clarence Tillman by Unanimous Decision after four (4) rounds

Kevin Burnett defeated Horace Grant by Unanimous Decision after eight (8) rounds***

*** Burnett was knocked out just after the final bell but returned to his feet before the 10-count.

Main Event:

Friday Ahunanya defeated Alonzo Butler by Unanimous Decision after ten (10) rounds


All boxing bouts were Heavyweight Division.



Mixed Martial Arts Results:


Fight 1 – Brice Ritani-Coe vs. Rob Mitchell (265+ lbs – Super Heavyweights)

Round 1:

As the MMA portion of the night begins, Ritani-Coe and Mitchell circle each other, exchanging sporadic punches. Mitchell checks with lower leg kicks and Ritani-Coe lands a hard left hook waking up his opponent. As they continue to circle and trade, Ritani-Coe begins to use combinations keeping Mitchell at a distance. During an exchange, Mitchell grabs for the clench and delivers two knees to the body as Ritani-Coe answers with overhands and body shots. Ritani-Coe works to break free just as Mitchell lands another knee to the head. Circling again, the fighters trade several more shots before locking up against the ropes. Ritani-Coe works his way around the corner of the ring as Mitchell uses his body to keep his opponent on the ropes. Ritani-Coe is finally able to press Mitchell away just as Mitchell delivers two punches to the head. Ritani-Coe uses his left to make space and drops Mitchell with a hard right knee to his head. Ritani-Coe, in side mount, begins the ground and pound work to finish his opponent. After a submission attempt and an effort of Mitchell trying to get the fight back up, Ritani-Coe pins his opponent’s arm and continues to punch him in the head until the referee stops the bout. (Fight Video)

Brice Ritani-Coe (1 – 0) defeats Rob Mitchell (0 – 1) by TKO due to strikes at 4:33 of Round 1


Fight 2 – Kui Gonsalves-Kanoho vs. Ricky Johnson (145 lbs - Featherweights)

Round 1:

Johnson’s opening left kick is met with a straight right in the center of the ring. Gonsalves lands an overhand right and shoots driving Johnson back into the ropes. Landing another punch, Gonsalves swings Johnson to the canvas, takes sidemount, and continues to hammer Johnson’s face until Johnson spins on his back to replace guard. Gonsalves stands and punches from the guard; regaining sidemount, he continues his assault. Johnson finds room to get out and they return to their feet. Gonsalves and Johnson trade high kicks and punches; Gonsalves lands several shots in the exchange. Both fighters seem eager to keep the fight standing and continue to throw kicks, short combos, a flying knee, and several punches. Johnson seems rocked at one point as Gonsalves connects with a hard right and a knee; Gonsalves goes for the clench, but as they lock up, Johnson forces them to the canvas and lands on top in half guard. As the two fighters struggle for control, the referee must turn the fighters away from the edge of the ring. Gonsalves grips his hands over his opponent’s back as Johnson continues to work in punches. He uses his forearm to drive Gonsalves’ shoulders back to the canvas. The referee stands them up and Gonsalves settles into his punches while Johnson relies on his kicks until the horn signaling the end of the first round. (Round 1 - Fight Video)

Round 2:

Both fighters return to the center of the ring trading punches. Johnson shoots for a single leg sitting Gonsalves on the canvas; Gonsalves scoots backward toward the ropes avoiding Johnson’s attempts to gain top position. The fighters lock up as they get to their feet and exchange knees to the body. Getting off the ropes, they move back to the center of the ring and Johnson shoots for a double leg takedown. Gonsalves counters forcing Johnson to his back and lands several shots as he moves to sidemount. Johnson quickly spins to replace guard and Gonsalves gets back to his feet. Both fighters are beginning to slow their pace as Gonsalves lunges forward for a combo and Johnson shoots for the takedown. They fight for control with Gonsalves’ inside Johnson’s closed guard; Gonsalves posts several times landing punches from the guard and Johnson answers back with a few strikes from the bottom. The referee stands them up and Gonsalves opens up with a flurry of shots knocking Johnson to his knees. Johnson recovers quickly and the two engage in an even exchange of effective strikes, kicks, and knees, ending the round on their feet. (Round 2 -Fight Video)

Round 3:

Johnson seems to set the pace of this round as he opens with a superman punch and lands a couple of jabs and head kicks. Gonsalves finally fires back and, at one point, the action is stopped as Johnson is inadvertently kicked in the groin. The stand up exchange continues; Johnson takes some hard shots to the head but continues to press Gonsalves with kicks and jabs. Gonsalves catches Johnson with a short combo of heavy strikes against the ropes, but Johnson recovers throwing Gonsalves to the canvas. Back on his feet quickly, Gonsalves lands a few strikes and Johnson returns with punches and low kicks. With almost the entire round fought on their feet, both fighters seem to be relieved when the final horn sounds ending the fight. After 3 rounds, judges score 30 -27 for Gonsalves over Johnson; unfortunately, Gonsalves also takes home a broken nose. (Round 3 - Fight Video)

Kui Gonsalves-Kanoho (1 – 0) defeats Ricky Johnson (0 – 1) by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3


Fight 3 – Dennis Davis vs. Dave Jansen (150 lbs - Lightweights)

Round 1:

Former TeamQuest teammates, Davis and Jansen begin the round with short punch exchanges. Sizing each other up, they lock in the clench but release their holds quickly. As Jansen lands a short combination and they lock up again; Davis goes for the takedown pushing Jansen to the corner. Jansen attempts a guillotine, but Davis gets his head out and they fight for hand position exchanging knees and body shots. The referee moves the action to the center where Jansen connects with an overhand right; Davis answers back with a hard left-right combo and they continue to trade strikes. As they lock up again, Davis throws his left arm over the back of Jansen’s head and jumps on him for a standing guillotine, but Jansen backs into the corner and drops to his knees to release the hold. Davis then tries to secure a head and arm choke in an attempt to finish his opponent; he jumps to the guard position, wrapping his legs around Jansen’s back, but Jansen remains calm and eventually squeezes his chin out. Jansen works to get in Davis’ half guard delivering punches from the top position as Davis rolls to escape. As Davis replaces guard, Jansen continues to hammer away and regains half guard position. Davis turns to escape; Jansen attempts to take his back. Davis tries again to replace guard after Jansen goes for a head and arm choke, but Jansen maintains the half guard and finishes the round with elbows and punches.(Round 1 - Fight Video)

Round 2:

Davis and Jansen return to the center of the ring trading punches and kicks; Jansen lands a right uppercut that knocks Davis to the mat. Jansen continues to land heavy hammer punches as he transitions from Davis’ guard to sidemount, to his back and back to half guard; Jansen remains in the top position taking advantage of his ground and pound as he works. As they get to their feet struggling for control, submission attempts by both fighters are unsuccessful. Davis catches Jansen with a knee that seems to buckle his knees, but Jansen fights back immediately returning to the ground game and regaining top position. The fighters get back on their feet and in the exchange, Jansen secures a takedown landing in Davis’ guard. Davis continually tries to sweep and makes attempts at a kimura but Jansen controls him with hammer punches and pass attempts. Davis finally gets the fight onto its feet again holding Jansen by the head and arm but they fall back to the canvas just as the round ends. (Round 2 - Fight Video)

Round 3:

After a short punch exchange, Jansen shoots for a takedown and gets caught in a guillotine. Davis closes guard and tries to sink the choke, but Jansen uses his hand control to release the grip. As Davis turns to escape, Jansen forces him back down and begins to throw punches from the guard. Davis turns his back to get out; Davis gets to his feet and Jansen suplexes Davis but gets caught under Davis as he tries to get up. Davis keeps pressure on Jansen’s back as Jansen scoots on his knees toward the corner. Davis tries to take a couple of shots hitting Jansen underneath the body but gets backed into the corner. Davis gets back to his knees over Jansen’s back striking at Jansen’s ribs and body. The round ends just as they get to their feet. Jansen remains undefeated as the judges score unanimously in his favor. (Round 3 - Fight Video)

Dave Jansen (4 – 0) defeats Dennis Davis (14 – 9) by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3


Fight 4 – Kim Rose vs. Kimi Couture (125 lbs - Bantamweights)

Round 1:

Rose opens up with a solid punch to Couture’s jaw. As Couture falls to her knees wrapping herself around Rose’s body, Rose continues to throw short solid punches. Rose overhooks Couture's neck and as they roll Couture attempts to pin down Rose’s hands. Each time, Rose gets free, she continuously strikes Couture in the head and face, but Couture gains ground maintaining half guard and locking down Rose’s fists. Rose delivers blows to the body as Couture attempts to mount and uses shoulder pressure to keep Rose on her back. Rose attempts a guillotine but gives it up to replace guard and continues to punch Couture in the side of the head; Couture remains in the top position inside Rose’s closed guard; she postures up exchanging punches with Rose and using her forearms to make space. Rose is relentless from the bottom and continues to land strikes on Couture’s face. But Couture answers back varying her hammer punches inside and out. As Couture sits back, Rose tries to lock in an armbar but Couture gets to her feet breaking the hold. Couture throws punches from the standing position outside of Rose’s guard but has to avoid Rose’s upkicks. She circles Rose who is still lying on her back until the round ends. (Round 1 - Fight Video)

Round 2:

The round begins with both fighters trading punches, but it’s Rose who lands more strikes in the exchange. Couture backs away to stay out of range and when she finds an opening she clenches Rose delivering solid knees to the body. Rose sneaks in a couple of shots over the top but Couture secures a takedown landing on top in half guard and keeps her body close to her opponent’s shoulder to avoid Rose’s punches. Both fighters make it back to their feet and lock up against ropes. Couture uses her hip and overhook to throw Rose back to the canvas and takes side control as Rose’s continually taps at her head and face. Using her elbows and forearms, Rose makes enough space to get inside with short punches. Couture remains close on top and eventually ends up back in Rose’s guard. Rose continues punching face and body wherever she has room until the referee stands them up. Rose immediately opens up with a flurry of punches and when Couture locks up her arms, she resorts to foot stomps and knees. Couture gets the clench and delivers a couple of solid knees to the body. They separate and trade strikes again; Rose backs Couture into the ropes as Couture goes for the clench. (Round 2 - Fight Video)

Round 3:

Couture and Rose lock up almost immediately; Rose uses it to land overhand strikes while Couture uses the position to counter with knee after knee to the body. Rose uses her forearms again for space and they exchange elbows to the face. The standup battle continues with exchanges of knees, shots to the body, strikes to each other’s faces and clench work. Couture uses an outside trip to secure a takedown and maintains half guard. Rose attempts a guillotine and both struggle for control. Couture tries to pass to the full mount but the horn sounds signaling the end of the fight. Rose wins the bout by unanimous decision. Couture is taken to the hospital after the fight for a split lower jaw that it is believed she suffered in the opening round. (Round 3 - Fight Video)

Kim Rose (1 – 0) defeats Kimi Couture (0 – 1) by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 of Round 3


Fight 5 – John Alessio vs. Pete Spratt (170 lbs - Welterweights)

Round 1:

Alessio and Spratt meet in the center of the ring checking each other with low leg kicks and tapping hands. Alessio moves in with body shots pressing Spratt to the ropes; he makes several attempts to take Spratt down as they exchanging knees inside. Spratt avoids the attempts and presses Alessio back with hard knees to the thigh; Alessio tries to trip Spratt driving him back to the ropes. Alessio picks Spratt up and slams him to the canvas for the takedown but gets his head caught in Spratt’s guillotine. Unable to secure the choke, Spratt gets back to his feet as Alessio overhooks his head and arm. Spratt gets out and connects with a right hook and left kick before Alessio attempts another takedown. As they lock up in the corner, the referee steps in to restart the action. Spratt keeps Alessio outside with a couple of solid leg kicks and strikes. A big overhand right sends Alessio back into the ropes and he immediately shoots for another takedown. Spratt sprals against the ropes as Alessio tries to pull a single leg out from under him. Spratt avoids and they lock up, moving around the ring, struggling for the over/under control. It is Spratt who gets the trip takedown on Alessio and after a short scramble catches Alessio in his guard going for the armbar. The horn sounds ending the round.

Round 2:

At the start of this round, Alessio and Spratt do not touch gloves; Alessio goes right in for strikes but Spratt pushes him off and fakes a flying knee. Both fighters laugh off the attempt and they return to their standup exchange of punches and kicks. As they lock up in the clench, there is an exchange of knees and both fighters let go. Spratt returns to his kicks landing a high head kick and then a low hard one just as Alessio blocks with his forearm. Two more kicks from Spratt and they lock up again against the corner. Alessio trips Spratt into a takedown and takes his back as Spratt stands up against the ropes. With his feet wrap around Spratt, Alessio works his arms into position for the rear naked choke and secures it forcing Spratt to tap out at 2:07 of Round 2. Alessio suffers a broken forearm from an earlier blocked kick. (Fight Video)

John Alessio (23 – 11) defeats Pete Spratt (18 – 13) by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:07 of Round 2


All fight videos posted courtesy of the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV.

On Sunday, April 13, 2008, famed boxing promoter Roy Englebrecht presented his second installment of the 2008 Fist Series inside the Irvine Marriott Grand Ballroom.

The "Battle In The Battleroom" promoter put together seven (7) solid fights for theSpringFist 2008 fight card; unfortunately, John Sassone of Huntington Beach failed pre-fight testing leaving Irvine’s Fernando Serratos without a debut fight. The remainder of the fights were presented without a hitch.

Fight 1 - Patrick Doty vs. Andrew Lang (185 lbs)

Round 1:

Lang opens with a front kick; Doty answers with a left hook dropping Lang flat on his back. Doty tries to finish the fight immediately delivering five more body shots. He circles around delivering another hard overhand right. Lang spins to recover and grabs Doty’s left leg from underneath. Lang rolls in an attempt to secure the heel hook; Doty escapes after punching Lang in the back of the ribs several times. Back on their feet, Lang attempts a takedown pushing Doty against the ropes; Lang knees Doty several times in the body and continues to fight for the takedown. Doty defends well, kneeing Lang, landing a right, and backing him up. Lang shoots again pinning Doty to the ropes, but Doty escapes this time landing a hard left that drops Lang for the second time. Doty moves in, continuing his assault on Lang and eventually knocks him out.

Patrick Doty defeats Andrew Lang by KO at 2:29 of Round 1

Fight 2 - Wendy Rodriguez vs. Heather Basquil (106 lbs)

Round 1:

Basquil and Rodriguez exchanged punches as Basquil drops for the takedown. Rodriguez steps over transitioning to Basquil’s back. Basquil tries to escape, but Rodriguez holds on submitting Basquil via rear naked choke.

Wendy Rodriguez defeats Heather Basquil by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 0:38 of Round 1

Fight 3: Tyler Weathers vs. Louie Moreno (145 lbs)


Round 1:

Weathers and Moreno open the round with an exchange of punches. Moreno attempts a guillotine as Weathers slams Moreno to the mat. Weathers loosens Moreno’s grip as he climbs to half-guard and begins to drop elbows on Moreno’s body. Moreno replaces guard and attempts a triangle as Weathers gets to his feet and drops back into half-guard. Weathers maintains top position as the two continue the exchange of punches and elbows. Moreno turns to get out, but Weathers takes his back. Moreno defends successfully against the choke and the fighters return to their feet just before the end of the round.

Round 2:

After an exchange of punches, Moreno shoots; Weathers sprawls and presses Moreno into the ropes. Weathers works Moreno to the ground and maintains top position as Moreno tries to control his opponent. With no progress made, the referee restarts the action bringing both fighters to their feet again. Moreno misses a wild shot; Weathers takes him to the ground and gains the mount. As Weathers continuously punches Moreno from top position, Moreno turns his back, and then turns again looking for a chance to escape. Weathers drops to one side and tries to secure a head and arm triangle, but eventually gives it up to regain the mount. Moreno consistently moves and turns again to escape but Weathers takes his back and tries for the rear naked choke. Moreno defends until the horn sounds ending the round.

Round 3:

Moreno opens the round with a high right kick and shoots for a double-leg takedown. Weathers sprawls and pushes Moreno back, gaining the mount. He spins to side control and hammers away as Moreno tries to escape. Weathers continues the ground and pound moving from side control to half-guard to full mount. As Moreno turns his back again, Weathers sinks in the rear naked choke forcing Moreno to tap.

Tyler Weathers defeats Louie Moreno by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:23 of Round 3

Fight 4: Travis McRoberts vs. Andy Jewett (145 lbs)

Round 1:

Jewett and McRoberts traded punches for more than a minute into the first round with McRoberts landing more than a couple hard left hooks. McRoberts tries for the takedown as Jewett sprawls against the ropes working to defend; McRoberts picks Jewett up over one shoulder and slams him to the canvas. Jewett immediately bounces back to his feet and takes McRoberts down landing in his guard. Jewett delivers a few elbows as McRoberts tries to control him. McRoberts works to get the fight to its feet again, but takes three hard knees to the body before regaining the dominant position in the clench. The fighters exchange punches again as the 10 second warning is signaled and as the horn sounds ending the round, McRoberts collapses to the canvas. Although, many in the audience thought McRoberts had been knocked out, the referee confirmed that he collapsed from mere exhaustion after hearing the horn. (There was no opposition from either corner on the call.)

Fight 5: RJ Clifford vs. Jarrod Kwity (170 lbs)

Round 1:

Clifford and Kwity land simultaneously right hooks; Clifford grabs for Kwity’s leg as Kwity quickly pulls guard and attempts a guillotine. Clifford gets his head out but Kwity keeps a closed guard maintaining control; Clifford still manages to land several shots to the body. As the referee stands them up to restart the action, the two exchange kicks and Kwity goes for a takedown. Clifford fights back to his feet quickly with Kwity holding on to his waist; Clifford delivers two solid rear elbows and spins out in effort to escape. Kwity picks him up, carrying him several feet across the canvas, and slams Clifford down. Clifford quickly recovers and scrambles to face his opponent again. Kwity lands a knee and attempts a high kick before the round ends.

Round 2:

In the opening seconds, the fighters exchange low leg kicks; Kwity shoots in, but Clifford sprawls. Kwity redirects the takedown as Clifford attempts to spin onto his back and both fighters tumble to the canvas landing in half-guard. From the top position, Clifford continuously throws punches and knees to Kwity’s body, even as Kwity replaces guard. Kwity responds by punching his opponent in the head and then closing his guard to control him. The referee restarts the action; Clifford shoots for a single-leg just as Kwity throws a left kick. Kwity defends hammering Clifford in the head. They exchange strikes and lock up against the ropes. Kwity tries to back his opponent with elbows and Clifford looks for another takedown as the round ends.

Round 3:

RJ Clifford defeats Jarrod Kwity by Unanimous Decision at 3:00 of Round 3

Fight 6: Josh Griggs vs. Andrew Flores (205 lbs)

Round 1:

Flores opens with two low kicks; Griggs uses the second kick to secure a single-leg takedown. From the guard, Flores takes several shots to the ribs and Griggs postures landing an overhand left before both fighters get back on their feet. After trading kicks and punches, Griggs gets a second takedown landing in side control and transitions to full mount, but Flores turns and escapes throwing punches and knees. Griggs drives Flores back into a corner and prepares to pick him up; Flores grabs the top rope, preventing the slam. The referee immediately signals a one-point deduction on Flores for the violation. Griggs still gets the takedown and works his punches from half-guard. Flores gets to his feet and locks up with Griggs again. As Griggs works him into the corner, Flores tries to knee him in the ribs. Griggs grabs hold of Flores and throws him to the canvas in the center of the ring. With Griggs in Flores’ guard, both fighters end the round exchanging punches on the ground.

Round 2:

Flores uses low kicks to start the action again. They lock up against the ropes exchanging knees. Griggs attempts another throw and Flores lands a front kick. Griggs shoots again while Flores attempts a guillotine. The two land under the ropes and are forced to move toward the center. As the action continues, Griggs throws punches at Flores’ head from the half-guard and continually tries to trap Flores’ right hand under his knee. Flores turns to get out and manages to get back to his feet. An injury timeout is called when Flores’ accidentally knees Griggs in the groin. Griggs recovers and there is a short exchange of punches as the round ends.

Josh Griggs defeats Andrew Flores by Unanimous Decision at 3:00 of Round 3

Written by Rebecca Lee

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Covered by: Rebecca Lee


AXE MMA’s Night of the Champions was held on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at Skyline High in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The fight card was packed with thirteen (13) amateur ISCF sanctioned fights including two (2) bouts for the first-ever ISCF Amateur Idaho State Bantamweight and Lightweight Titles!

Here is the quick rundown of results for this exciting night of fights:


Fight 1: TJ Solomon (133 lbs) vs. Darius Gardner (135 lbs) – Bantamweight

Darius Gardner defeats TJ Solomon by Submission (Tapout) at 0:54 of Round 2


Fight 2: Kameron Kimball (148 lbs) vs. Chaase Tabuso (155 lbs) – Catch Weight

Chaase Tabuso defeats Kameron Kimball by Submission (Choke) at 2:54 of Round 1


Fight 3: Eli Hobbs (172 lbs) vs. David Goodwin (175 lbs) – Middleweight

Eli Hobbs defeats David Goodwin by Split Decision (Judges’ Scores: 30-27, 29-28, and 28-29)


Fight 4: Rob Radford (148 lbs) vs. Mat Quinlan (156 lbs) – Catch Weight

Rob Radford defeats Mat Quinlan by Unanimous Decision (Judges’ Scores: 30 – 27 on all 3 cards)


Fight 5: Riley Hamilton (183 lbs) vs. Jason Foley (184 lbs) – Middleweight

Riley Hamilton defeats Jason Foley by KO at 0:44 of Round 2


Fight 6: Brent Warner (160 lbs) vs. Cory Bridgewater (165 lbs) – Welterweight

Brent Warner defeats Cory Bridgewater via TKO (Strikes) at 2:25 of Round 1


Fight 7: CJ Beard (171 lbs) vs. Cody Ziemer (169 lbs) – Welterweight

Cody Ziemer defeats CJ Beard via TKO (CornerStoppage) at 1:54 of Round 1


Fight 8: Kaleb Moir (240 lbs) vs. Eddy Card (243 lbs) – Heavyweight

Kaleb Moir defeats Eddy Card via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 1:52 of Round 1


Fight 9: Jordan (JC) Chandler (153 lbs) vs. Tim Rowley (158 lbs) – Catch Weight

Jordan (JC) Chandler defeats Tim Rowley via TKO (CornerStoppage) at 3:00 minutes of Round 1


Fight 10: Phil Shiplett (270 lbs) vs. Louie Zamudio (292 lbs) – Super Heavyweight

Phil Shiplett defeats Louie Zamudio by Submission (Heel Hook) at 0:41 of Round 1


Fight 11: Sterling Peterson (156 lbs) vs. Brian Merrill (157 lbs) – Welterweight

Brian Merrill defeats Sterling Peterson by KO (Referee Stoppage) at 0:41 seconds of Round 1.


ISCF AMATEUR IDAHO STATE BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE

Fight 12: Justin Erickson (134 lbs) vs. Michael Wells (134 lbs)



Michael Wells defeats Justin Erickson by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:14 of Round 2



ISCF AMATEUR IDAHO STATE LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

Fight 13: Bobby Earley (155 lbs) vs. Brandon Hempleman (155 lbs)




Brandon Hempleman defeats Bobby Earley by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 0:53 of Round 3



Fighters unable to fight on this card:
Skyler Johansson
Chuck Jordan
John Maldonado
Josh Tibbitts

As reportedby Sherdog.comand posted with my weigh-in pictures.

Monday, March 03, 2008

The California State Athletic Commission announced Monday that it has suspended three mixed martial artists who tested positive for anabolic agents before the Valor Fighting event scheduled for Jan. 12 in San Diego. Although the event was cancelled, the samples were obtained at the weigh-in.





Carlos Fuentes(scheduled to face Fabio Costa) had nandrolone measured at 4.4 ng/mL in his system. He was fined $2,500 and suspended through March 30, plus 286 days after he reapplies for his license.










Kyacey Uscola(scheduledto faceDavid "The Crow" Louiseau) tested positive for nandrolone measured at 9.6 ng/mL. He was fined $2,500 and suspended through Jan. 10, 2009.








Gustavo Machado(scheduledto face Joe "Diesel" Riggs)also tested positive for nandrolone, as measured at 20.8 ng/mL. His suspension runs through Jan. 10, 2009, and he was also fined $2,500.








CSAC Associate Governmental Program Analyst Bill Douglas said Quest Diagnostics in Atlanta tested the samples three times. He added that the samples were also tested by Laboratoire de Controle du Dopage in Laval, Quebec, Canada, which is one of 34 certified WADA testing laboratories in the world.

Fuentes' sample was tested twice at the Canadian facility, giving it five tests total, to "guarantee that the lower level of nandrolone was consistent with an anabolic agent and not the result of a higher nandrolone level naturally produced in the human body," Douglas said in an e-mail. "The final test absolutely confirmed that the 4.4 ng/mL level was consistent with an agent that was anabolic in origin."

Wrote Douglas: "Make no mistake about the fact that these samples were sent for additional testing to prove a point. With all of the testing that CSAC performs in conjunction with Quest Diagnostics, with all of the testing performed on both "A" and "B" samples before anything is divulged, with the absolute care and concern that fairness and justice rule the day before any penalty and fine is handed down, this proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that our anti-doping program is the very best in combative sports and when CSAC says you're positive then you are absolutely positive."


Source: http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=11610

To view more photos from the weigh-ins, please visit my previous blog:
http://angelfitness.proelite.com/stuff/blog/87668/WCO_Weigh-Ins_1-11-08

Written By Rebecca Lee

Total Combat 26 was held at the 4th & B in downtown San Diego. Once again,TCpulled together a nicely-packed card peppered with fighter debuts, seasoned veterans, and featuring Lightweight Champion Toby Imada’s first title defense vs. Preston Scharf.

Sevenfights, no decisions, nothing left to the judges...

Fight 1 – Waylon Kennel vs. Jermaine Wilson (200 lbs* – Contract Weight)

Round 1:

Wilsonand Kennelbegan the night with an exchange ofstrikes and kicks. Kennel connects with an overhand right driving Wilson against the cage. Kennel wasted no time taking Wilson down and eventually gaining the mount. Kennel remained on top landing numerous punches and elbows as Wilson attempted several times to escape, but Kennel finally steps over securing an armbar for thevictory.

Waylon Kennel defeats Jermaine Wilson by Submission (Armbar) - Round 1 at 2:57

(*Note: Wilson failed to make weight which gave Kennel the option to accept the fight and 10% of Wilson’s contracted purse or deny the bout for his opponent’s failure to make weight under CSAC regulations. Kennel, outweighed by almost 15 pounds, accepted the fight.)

Fight 2 – Joshric Fenwick vs. Hildred Oliney (145 lbs)

Round 1:

Fenwick opened up with a Superman knee connecting with Oliney’s left shoulder. As the round progressed, Fenwick’s wrestling abilities shined as he took down Oliney and consistently worked to keep top position, but Oliney mounted escape after escape. Fenwick dominated the round takingOliney’s back several times while Oliney successfully fought off attempts at a rear-naked choke.

Round 2:

Fenwick took down Oliney again early in the round but Oliney reverses landing in Fenwick’s guard. During Oliney’s attempt to pass to sidemount, Fenwick rolls out and forces Oliney to his back again. Fenwick secures excellent top positionto finish the fight with a north-south choke.

Joshric Fenwick defeats Hildred Oliney by Submission (North-South Choke) - Round 2 at 2:36

Fight 3 – Ryan Gillespie vs. Joe Shapiro (205 lbs)

Round 1:

In their debut fights, Gillespie and Shapiro almost immediately lock up against the cage and after trading shots, Gillespie secures a takedown moving quickly from half-guard to sidemount. Shapiro replaced his guard as Gillespie got to his feet, but Gillespie continued to hammer away from the guard while stackingShapiro on his shoulders. Shapiro attempts to escape and tries to cover up, but Gillespie eventually knocks him out.

Ryan Gillespie defeats Joe Shapiro by KO (Strikes) – Round 1 at 1:14

Fight 4 – Mike De La Torre vs. Jason Meaders (160 lbs)

Round 1:

De La Torre and Meadersexchange strikes as De La Torre checks Meaders lower legs.De La Torre lands a hardinside leg kick just beforeMeaders lands an equally hard overhand right;De La Torre responds witha flurry of strikes forcingMeadersto shoot for the takedown.Both fighters flip hard onto the canvas and as De La Torre gains top position and moves to sidemount, a hard knee from De La Torreappears to dislocate Meaders shoulder; unfortunately, Meaders is forced to tap due to what turns out to be a broken rib. De La Torre walks away with the win and a very swollen left foot.

Mike De La Torre defeats Jason Meaders by Tap (Due to Injury), Round 1 – 0:39

Fight 5 – Gary Padilla vs. Mike Moreno (185 lbs)

Round 1:

Even before the round gets underway, there seems to be a feeling of hostility between these two fighters. Moreno is visibly agitated while Padilla appears intenseand focused on the task at hand. Early in the round, Padilla launches at Moreno as he avoids a kick. Padilla consistently pushes for control as he picks up and slams Moreno to the canvas. With each takedown, Moreno fights back with reversals and strikes in his own attempt to gain control. At one point, the fight is stopped by referee, Jason Herzog, and Padilla is penalized one point for an illegal strike to a downed opponent. As the round continues, Padilla seizes additional opportunities to pick up and slam his opponent. Both fighters escape multiple submission attempts to make it through the first round.

Round 2:

After a short trade, Moreno shoots for a single leg, but Padilla defends landing in top position.Both fighterswork to gain control as Padilla catches Moreno in a heel hook and forces the tap to end the fightat 1:42of the second round.

Gary Padilla defeats Mike Moreno by Submission (Heel Hook) in Round 2 – 1:42

Fight 6 – Tony Velarde vs. Courtney Thomas (Heavyweight)

Round 1:

Velarde and Thomas met in the center of the cage exchanging punches and kicks until Thomas was caught by a heavy shot from Velarde that backed him against the cage. Velarde finished the fight with a right hook that knocked Thomas out cold.

Tony Velarde defeats Courtney Thomas by KO in Round 1 – 0:44

Fight 7 – Toby Imada vs. Preston Scharf (155 lbs) - Lightweight Title

Round 1:

Scharf defends against Imada’s initial attempts to take him down, but after trading punches and kicks, Imada begins to gain control of his opponent. Maintaining top position throughout most of the round, Imada finally ends the fight with an onslaught of punches overwhelming his opponent and keeps his title as Total Combat Lightweight Champion.

Toby Imada defeats Preston Scharf by TKO (Strikes) – Round 1 - 4:29

**Clickon any of the fight photos above or here to view more pictures from this event!

Written by Rebecca Lee

Total Combat 22 was held Friday, August 3, 2007, at the 4th & B in Downtown San Diego. With seven fights and the Lightweight Title up for grabs, TC put on a solid show!

Fight 1 – Armando Contreras vs. Brian Smith (205 lbs)

Round 1:
Shortly after touching gloves, Contreras and Smith lock up in the clench. Contreras takes a knee to the body before taking Smith to the ground with a double-leg takedown. During the takedown, Smith attempts to catch Contreras in a guillotine, but can’t hold on. Smith turns to get out, but Contreras takes Smith’s back, lands a few headshots, and attempts a rear-naked choke, finally securing it for the tap at 55 seconds into the first round.

Armando Contreras (1-0) defeats Brian Smith (0-2) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 1 – 0:55

Fight 2 – Frank Lester vs. Nick Braker (205 lbs)

Round 1:

Lester and Braker trade punches in the opening seconds of the bout; Braker throws knees, Lester fires back with a left kick, before they lock up in the clench. Braker backs Lester into the cage wall and they continue to exchange punches and knees until Lester breaks away from the fence. Braker shoots for a double-leg takedown but Lester lands sitting up and turns to recover to his feet. Braker catches his back, Lester throws an elbow, but Braker slams him down again. As they roll to their side, Braker wraps one leg around and continues to throw punches as Lester tries to escape. Braker maintains top position for the remainder of the round.

Round 2:

The fighters open the second round with an exchange of punches again until Braker connects right-left into Lester’s face. Lester kicks, Braker answers with a few more shots to the face, Lester goes for the takedown but Braker sprawls against the cage. Braker stops the takedown connecting a knee to the body, an overhand right, and backs Lester off as he continues to throw punch after punch. Braker then shoots and lands in Lester’s guillotine. Lester tries to cinch up on Braker’s neck as they get to their feet but Braker still throws punches over the top and finally breaks free of Lester’s grip. He knees Lester in the face twice pinning him against the fence, picks him up, and slams him down to the canvas again. Braker gets sidemount and as Lester tries to escape, Braker gets a hook in continuing with his barrage of punches. Braker knees him in the ribs and pounds on Lester’s head until the round is over. Lester goes back to his corner and cannot continue the fight; his corner calls it before the start of the third round.

Nick Braker (3-0) defeats Frank Lester (0-2) by TKO (Corner Stoppage) end of Round 2 – 3:00

Fight 3 – Mike Peterson vs. Joe Nicholas (155 lbs)

Round 1:

Nicholas and Peterson meet in the center of the cage with punches and an exchange of kicks until Nicholas catches Peterson’s leg pushing him into the fence. Nicholas goes for a takedown with Peterson kneeing him in the side. Nicholas gets sidemount moving quickly to the north-south position in an attempt to secure an arm triangle or choke. Peterson struggles to escape, flips over, and gets caught for a moment under the chin, but both get back onto their feet with Peterson’s back against the cage. Nicholas takes a hard knee to the face before he slams Peterson to the ground again with a single-leg takedown. Nicholas takes sidemount as Peterson tries to control his arms and head. Nicholas punches him in the ribs and as his opponent tries to roll away, Nicholas gets to his feet, and gets caught in a leg triangle. Peterson tries to secure the arm for the tap but Nicholas lifts up and slams Peterson for the third time in this round. Nicholas lands in Peterson’s guard and continues to throw punches over the top until the end of the round.

Round 2:

At the start of the second, these two fighters immediately lock up; Peterson has the underhooks and they lock legs but he ends up pulling Nicholas down to the canvas in the top position, giving him half-guard. Nicholas works into full mount as Peterson tries to slide underneath and out. They trade punch for punch and Peterson goes for a sweep but Nicholas grabs the cage (boos from the fans and a warning from the ref). Peterson goes for it again and this time gets the sweep landing in Nicholas’ guard. Each fighter tries to maintain control and as they get back to their feet, Nicholas slams Peterson again onto his back. Nicholas works past Peterson’s guard to full mount and goes to work pounding on Peterson’s head, but he gets caught off-guard when Peterson bucks him so hard, his head slams forward into the canvas. Nicholas recovers quickly as Peterson tries time and again to escape. Nicholas hits him with well over 15 shots to the head before the bell rings ending this round.

Round 3:

Peterson lands a solid punch to Nicholas’ head before getting slammed onto his side again. Nicholas moves cleanly into full mount as Peterson tries to protect his face and get out from underneath. He becomes overwhelmed as Nicholas tags him over and over again in the face and Nicholas finally submits him with a rear-naked choke at 44 seconds into the third round.

Joe Nicholas (2-2) defeats Mike Peterson (0-2) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 3 – 0:44

Fight 4 – Preston Scharf vs. Mike Granche (155 lbs)

Round 1:

Almost immediately, Scharf shoots underneath and takes Granche down landing in his butterfly guard. Granche tries to control Scharf as he scoots Granche toward the cage. Granche uses the position to reach over Scharf’s back in an attempt to catch one of his arms in a kimura or shoulder lock, but Scharf defends well keeping his hand inside his thigh. Granche uses the cage to get back onto his feet and starts to spin on Scharf’s back. Scharf turns quickly and sweeps landing back in Granche’s guard. Granche tries again to catch an arm for a submission, but Scharf works him into the fence. Granche struggles to get back to his feet but takes a few shots to the head before the end of the round.

Round 2:

The second round opens with an even exchange of punches and kicks, they lock up, Scharf goes for a takedown but Granche sprawls. Granche’s defense puts Scharf on his knees and Granche attempts a guillotine. Scharf defends and there is an injury timeout (Granche is cut over the right eye). The referee restarts the action and Scharf throws a superman punch catching Granche off-guard and backing him into the cage. Scharf sits back pulling Granche into his guard, Granche throws a punch, but Scharf catches him with a kick to the face. Scharf gets the leg triangle and Granche taps to an arm bar finishing the round.

Preston