Effective June 25, 2010, CAMO has instituted the following rule changes:
1. No knees to the head in a standing position for the first 5 fights of an amateur’s career (after five bouts, both fighters can agree to allow them); and
2. No rotational leglocks.
These are additional rules to CAMO's current rules, so all other rules are still in effect and stay the same (e.g. there are still no elbows to the head allowed (either standing or on the ground), no knees to the head of a grounded opponent, etc…). Also, beginning in July, CAMO is proud to be instituting the following new weight classes: Cruiser-weight = 205lbs -230lbs and Heavyweight will now = 230lbs-265lbs. These rules are all adopted in connection with CAMO's focus on the health and safety of the fighters participating in its program, and our continued commitment, with your support, to make the CAMO program the best amateur MMA program in the country. Thank you.
News
Match results from Red Scorpion in Buena Park, CA on 6/5/10 are as follows:
153 lbs. – Ron Scolesdang def. Takayuki Hirano via TKO, R3, 0:15.
143 lbs. – Jose Huerta def. Andrew Delgado via decision, R3.
153 lbs .– Morgan Ramirez def. Reshan Sabaratnam via split decision, R3.
154 lbs – Christopher Fajardo def. Richy Placencia via TKO, R3, 0:35
Match results from Pryme Time in Santa Ynez, CA on 6/4/10 are as follows:
155 lbs. – Marc Terre draws with Daniel Chin.
185 lbs. – Mike Jasper def. Moses Aieti via submission, R1, 1:50.
145 lbs .– Francisco Estrada def. Carlos Hernandez via TKO, R2.
CAMO Event Round Up for 3.19 to 3.21
By Jay Tan
All-Star / Ka-Boom returns to Quiet Canyon in Montebello
Whether you were in Nor Cal, So Cal, or somewhere in between, MMA fans did not starve for live action this weekend, as three amateur events took place in the Golden State.
Friday night, March 19th, All-Star Promotions returned to the Quiet Canyon Country Club for a night of pro-am MMA action. Three matches, including fan favorites Chris Golz and John Chacon, set off a night of 10 firework fights, with all three matches finishing in exciting fashion.
“I’m excited about the amateurs. . . All the kids have been doing really good . . . Right now, in today’s economy, it’s really tough to really cover and all-pro show. It’s expensive. You’re looking at $35,000-plus. So the amateurs have really helped us out a lot.”
Golz and Chacon have both been featured on the past several All-Star / Ka-Boom events, but any thoughts these young talents have become promotion darlings come with a caveat, as Holmes explains: “They’re special guys, so we’re trying to make special fights. Not just give them the win.”
That said, Holmes is proud of the synergy he’s found with the regional teams, noting “we like what they’re doing and they like what we’re doing. It seems like [the fighters] really enjoy the venue, versus what was illegal, prior to CAMO. . . At least now they have some place that they can really proud to bring people to.”
Match results from the amateur portion of All-Star MMA on 3/19/10 are as follows:
265 lbs. – Chris Golz def. Mycal Osborne via TKO, R1, 0:50.
145 lbs. – John Chacon def. Jose Medina via submission, R3, 1:46.
135 lbs. – Steve Ramirez def. Jose Huerta via submission, R1, 1:06.
Fighters Stand-Up in South Sacramento
Up north, Stand Up Fighters debuted in a new location, the Lord’s Gym at South Sacramento’s Cal Skate, with “Retribution.” This amateur caged MMA event featured 13 matches, with Derek Formoso vs. Kyle Burnett toplining the night’s festivities. Formoso was crowned the “Best Fighter in Northern California” at the previous Stand-Up event, earning him the opportunity to main event his next fight at Stand Up Fighters.
However, this night’s “Best Fighter in Northern California” honors went to Chaz Sanchez, who emerged victorious against David Durham. Together, the two combatants won “Fight of the Night” honors. For Sanchez’ victory, he received an in-house title belt and is expected to main event the next Stand-Up Fighters bout in which he competes.
Promoter Gary Shurley was especially proud of the standout bout, stressing how closely competitive it was before ending early from a cut.
“That was up and down, a lot of standing. It could have gone either way."
As with Shurley’s previous show, fans were treated to a female MMA bout, as Charlene Gellner and Jenelle Gomes battled in a short-but-thrilling match that all but stole the show.
“Charlene was from Bay Area Fight Academy. Man, she’s tough. I see that girl being a really good pro. . .” he noted.
Match results from Stand-Up Fighters “Retribution” on 3/19/10 are as follows:
145 lbs. – Derek Formoso def. Kyle Burnett via TKO, R1, 1:05.
250 lbs. (catchweight) – Karl Stallcop def. William Butler via TKO, R1, 0:17.
170 lbs. – Ryan Guzman def. Frank Sanchez via TKO, R2, 0:14.
118 lbs. (catchweight) (Female) – Charlene Gellner def. Jenelle Gomes via submission, R1, 1:15.
140 lbs. (catchweight) – Freddie Patino def. Raymond Aguilar via submission, R1, 0:54.
210 lbs. (catchweight) – Thomas Ballard def. Robert Acuna via verbal submission, R1.
125 lbs. – Zach Smith def. David Catano, Jr. via submission (armbar), R2, 0:59.
155 lbs. – Nicholas Balestra def. Jerry Ribeira via KO, R2, 0:20.
150 lbs. (catchweight) – Brett Mulkey def. JJ Nguyen via submission (armbar), R1, 1:44.
165 lbs. (catchweight) – Marqus Betancourt def. Michael Herrera via KO, R1, 0:10.
160 lbs. (catchweight) – Chaz Sanchez def. David Durham via TKO doctor’s stoppage, R3, 0:35.
170 lbs. – Levi Temple def. Dan D’Angelo via TKO, R3, 1:35.
140 lbs. (catchweight) – Larry Fernandez ef. Edgar Torres via unanimous decision.
Central Coast Throwdown’s debut event a big success
The next night, in Salinas, Central Coast Throwdown made their CAMO debut, featuring 11 matches that sold out the Chieftain Dome at Palmas High School. This event proved to be among the biggest all-amateur events in CAMO history.
“The success of the show was based on good preparation. . . Keeping in contact with the fighters and their coaches. Everybody knew they were fighting a month and a half before the show, which was key,” noted promoter Michael Macneill.
“Friends and family came out and saw their fighters fight. No one walked out displeased. It was a balls-to-the-wall type of fight. And that was exactly what I was expecting from the guys,” he added.
“I gave a speech in the locker rooms, before we went out, and I said ‘this is the time to shine. This is no different than your last two games in your senior year of football. Or whatever sport you played. The scouts are watching, and you get out there, and you give it everything you got. Win or lose.’ And they bought into it and they want out there and executed.”
Match results from Central Coast Throwdown on 3/20/10 are as follows:
160 lbs. - Fernando Lopez def. Eddie Morales via submission, R1, 0:40.
160 lbs. - Michael Ellis def. Evan Rodriguez via submission, R1, 1:12.
190 lbs. - Angelo Henry def. Lucas Oliveira via TKO, R2, 0:32.
175 lbs . - Christian Barber def. Dustin Mouser via KO, R1, 1:19.
145 lbs. - Richard Delfin def. Daniel (Max) Fraley via unanimous decision.
205 lbs . - Keith Cutrone def. Andres Alcantar via unanimous decision.
185 lbs . - Jared Hess def. Robert Valenti via TKO, R2, 1:35.
265 lbs. - Steven Dickey def. Mat Painter via TKO, R3, 0:22.
175 lbs. - Marco Orozco def. Matt Lovato via TKO, R1, 1:23.
165 lbs. - Eric Prado def. Giacomo Gomiero def. split decision.
125 lbs. - Jose Marin def. Josh Sanchez via KO, R1, 1:07.
Despite California’s notoriety as a hotbed for grooming fast-rising MMA fighters, Macneill believes that it’s crucial not to rush talent, noting “the Central Coast is untapped. A lot of fighters training but not enough fighting and competing. . . But it’s going to take a little bit of time to develop these key fighters. . . I have a couple right now that we’re grooming up, and taking it slow. We travel out to the Mid-West and compete out there. I would give it the next year to two years that we start developing some key fighters, which are going to be out there, actually, with big names. And ranked.”
Of the stars that shined that night, Macneill was quick to point out “Steven Dickey, out of Frank Shamrock’s gig in San Jose. Heavyweight, 240-pounder, he fought a 6’7”, 260-pounder, and he won by TKO. I can see him going pro in the next 4-5 fights. You had Jared Hess, out of Salinas. He did really well. Mike Ellis, and there’s two other guys from Santa Maria that did really well.”
Central Coast Throwdown expects to product their next show at the Chieftain Dome on July 24th, then hopes to produce shows regularly every two months after that. Likewise, Stand Up Fighters is targeting July for a return date. All-Star Promotions / Ka-Boom Productions returns to Quiet Canyon Country Club on May 10th.
For more info on upcoming amateur MMA action, visit http://www.camo-mma.org/events.
Match results from Fighters Challenge in Fresno, CA on 5/22/10 are as follows:
135 lbs. – Paul Ruiz def. Diamond Templeton via submission, R1, 0:42.
161 lbs. – Frank Flores def. Carl Hoffman via KO, R1, 0:13.
135 lbs .– Michael Gall def. Dominic Escamilla via split decision, R3.
HW – Jacob Hallmark def. Stephen Dickey via TKO, R2, 0:40.
145 lbs. – Anthony Torres def. Martin Contreras via submission, R1, 1:59.
168 lbs. – Dustin Mouser def. EnRee Whitmore via submission, R3, 1:34.
145 lbs. – Mike Gonzles def. Raymond Aguilar via unanimous decision, R3.
169 lbs. – Alex Rojas def. Daniel Maya via TKO, R1, 1:35.
Match results from Adrenaline FC in San Bernardino, CA on 5/22/10 are as follows:
147 lbs. – Izak Fernandez def. Daniel Valdez via decision, R3.
170 lbs. – Ben Moreland def. Rogelio Lazaro via decision, R3.
140 lb – Keith Carson def. Sigifrido Garcia via TKO, R3, 1:29.
145 lbs – Nick Lasher def. Joey Gomez via DQ, R1.
152 lbs. – Ivan Arevalos def. Tony Juan via submission, R1, 0:46.
154 lbs. – Jacobo Martinez def. Will Lubeck via TKO, R3, 1:51.
155 lbs. – John Blandi def. Kevin Jankay via TKO, R2, 1:08.
HW – Manuel Murillo def. Mycal Osborne via submission, R2, 1:36.
170 lbs. – Vince Borquez def. Sergio Machado via decision, R3.
144 lbs. – Jose Medina def. Oscar Vazquez via split decision, R3.
Match results from Fight Factory in Canoga Park, CA on 5/15/10 are as follows:
145 lbs. – Antonio Sanchez def. Cameron Harris via TKO, R3, 0:23.
138 lbs. – Walter Hayes draws with Danny Worthen
172 lbs – Eric Steans def. Blake Webber via submission, R1, 0:35.
185 lbs – Chris Hebert def Vahe Ambarchyan via decision, R3.
180 lbs. – Lou Tapia def. Craig Dunlop via TKO, R1, 1:23.
169 lbs. – Joey Guevara def. Will Etherington via TKO, R1, 0:11.
125 lbs. – Luis Reyes def. Ronnie Tanner via submission, R1, 1:57.
157 lbs. – Alex Rojas def. Daniel Maya via TKO, R1, 1:35.
157 lbs. – Rob Fernandes def. Jason Gonzalez via decision, R3.
198 lbs. – Brandon Horton def. David Neace via decision, R3.
157 lbs. – Rob Gooch def. Jason Rocco Urbisci via submission, R2, 1:12.
HW – Oscar Avila def. Luis Diaz via TKO, R1, 1:19.
Match results from All Star MMA in Montebello, CA on 5/21/10 are as follows:
135 lbs. – Steve Ramirez def. Geoff Nunez via submission, R1, 0:36.
155 lbs. – Mark Matsumoto def. Randy Romero via unanimous decision, R3, 2:00.
178 lbs – Jake Junge def. Aaron Delgrorice via KO, R1, 0:08.
170 lbs – Kevin Bostick def Angel Gonzalez via TKO, R1, 1:20.
190 lbs. – Nicholas Huizar def. Cody Silvett via unanimous decision, R3, 2:00.
202 lbs. – Chris Reyes def. Josh Heger via unanimous decision, R3, 2:00.
157 lbs. – Nikko Cataline def. Jonathan Esteva via unanimous decision, R3, 2:00.
150 lbs. – Patrick Avalos def. John Chacon via TKO, R3, 1:59.
168 lbs - Jonathan Rivero def. Adam Harper via submission, R1, 0:16
CAMO Event Round Up for 4.21.10 to 4.25.10
By Jay Tan
No Limits to Where MMA Can Go
Certainly, combat sports are among the last types of entertainment one would expect to see at a country club mid-week, but that didn’t stop the Shady Canyon Golf Club and No Limits MMA from teaming up on April 21st for a four-match Pankration event, which was held right in the club’s main banquet hall.
“The country club was looking for some type of excitement to bring their members together and kick start the season’s events and golfing tournament,“ explained No Limits head trainer / matchmaker Juliano Prado. “I feel it was a great experience. The event gave an opportunity for the fighters to experience MMA in a safe and controlled environment. I feel like the crowd was pleased,” he added.
In fact, this was the second go-round for the two unlikely groups. Last year, No Limits brought a five-match amateur boxing card to kick off 2010 Talon Cup Golf Tournament, which is hosted at the club annually.
However, this was the first venture into Pankration for Prado, a noted Jiu Jitsu master with a 4-2-0 pro MMA record, according to Sherdog.com. With each match featuring a No Limits amateur fighter, the team went 2-2 in competition.
“I coached guys in the UFC before, and I’ve been to PRIDE before, and done numerous Jiu Jitsu tournaments, but I’ve never been to a Pankration event. So I would approach the striking as a very different manner. So as a coach, it was also a new experience for me and I was glad to be a part of it.”
Match results from No Limits 4/21/10 Pankration at Shady Canyon Country Club are as follows:
196 lbs. (catch weight) – Andre “Priest” Holmes def. Nolan Newbury via split decision.
130 lbs. – Ronald Henderson def. Anthony Cendejas via submission, R1, 0:47. Henderson was suspended contingent on a subsequent medical check-up.
175 lbs. – Tim Leach def. Fred Cheatham via submission, R3, 0:55.
155 lbs. – Ivan Arevalo def. Kurtiss Neilsen via submission, R1, 0:52.
In the wake of his event, Prado is even more convinced that Pankration, like Jiu Jitsu, is a valuable part of the early training process for any aspiring MMA fighter
“I think the way to go is jiu jitsu tournaments, which would be the first step, because it doesn’t have any type of striking. Then you can move on to Pankration style of fighting. Then you can go to amateur MMA and pro MMA. I think that either that or doing [an exhibition] – kickboxing, would be, depending on your background, would be the natural and safe way to go.”
International Fight Showdown (IFS) kicks off 16-man lightweight tournament
That same weekend, Red Scorpion Promotions, known for their Muay Thai events, held the opening round of their 2010 International Fight Showdown, a 16-man lightweight (155 lbs.) MMA tournament that continues bi-monthly throughout the year.
“Everything was in order and well organized. The fighters were focused and were very professional and respectful in our IFS event. . . Everyone at the event was happy with the quality of the matches as well,” said Red Scorpion promoter Master Shawn Shilati in an email reply.
Shilati was particularly impressed with the wide array of faces and martial arts schools that participated, noting several school representatives inquired about participating in future IFS events.
“A well deserved thank you to Gloria Casella, Event Manager of IFS. We have been working together for the past 8 years and she is a wonderful asset. I also would like to thank our wonderful volunteers and IFS staff for putting their amount of time and effort to make this IFS events possible. . . We are looking forward to the better and bigger IFS shows,” he added.
Match results from IFS tournament quarterfinals 4/21/10 event at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel are as follows:
155 lbs. – Christopher Fajardo def. Evan Richards via TKO, R1, 0:57.
155 lbs. – Richie Placencia def. Nick Kim via unanimous decision.
155 lbs. – Reshan Sabaratnam def. Albert “Beto” Rodriguez via unanimous decision.
155 lbs. – Sergio Guerrero def. Morgan Ramirez via submission (choke), R2, 0:57.
155 lbs. – Takayuki Hirano def. Chad Conte via TKO, R2, 1:04.
155 lbs. – Ron Scolesdang def. Jimmy Chavez via split decision.
165 lbs. (non-tournament match) – Brad Kirk def. Robert Anderson via unanimous decision.
155 lbs. – Richard King def. Alex Castellanos via TKO, R2, 1:07
Quarterfinal pairings are expected to be made public imminently, According to Shilati, should any of the eight quarterfinalists be unable to continue in the tournament, a losing fighter from this weekend’s event will be selected to return, based on the fighter’s record and previous IFS performance. Likewise, replacements for a semifinalist will be drawn from the pool of losing quarterfinal fighters.
County Cage Fighting in Yucaipa
On that same night, a mini-show dubbed “Country Cage Fighting” took place at Angie’s Roadhouse in Yucaipa.
Match results from County Cage Fighting 4/24/10 in Yucaipa are as follows:
145 lbs. – Ben Weilein def. Jacobo Martinez via submission, R2, 1:41.
170 lbs. – John Blandi def. Frank Zaragoza via submission, R2, 1:23. Zaragoza was suspended for 180 days.
180 lbs. – Brock Paggan def. Bill Burley via submission, R1, 1:30. Burley was suspended for 60 days.
The quarterfinals of the International Fight Showdown are scheduled for June 5th, with the semi-finals on August 28th and the finals on October 23rd. No Limits will also be promoting an all-amateur MMA event in June, at the No Limits Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Irvine.
For more info on upcoming amateur MMA action, visit http://www.camo-mma.org/events.
CAMO Event Round Up for 4.16.10 to 4.18.10
By Jay Tan
Total Fighting Alliance expands to amateur ranks
With the floodgates of amateur MMA in California wide open and flowing freely, it’s ironic that one of California’s most senior officially-licensed promotions, Todd Meacham’s Total Fighting Alliance (TFA), didn’t hold their first amateur MMA event until this past weekend.
But TFA 17, which took place at the Hawthorne Athletic Exchange (HAX) at Hawthorne Airport, marked another milestone for the three-year old regional promotion, as it creates a breeding ground from which Meacham can nurture talent for his pro shows.
“This was the easiest show I’ve ever done, and I’m gonna do more of them because of that,” beamed TFA matchmaker Todd Meacham, adding “watch what I do with it."
The nine-match amateur MMA show was highlighted by furious heavyweight action. The last match of the night, Danish strongman Jens Grau vs. Danny Radovic was a frantic battle of behemoths, but it was Jesse Escobedo and Kipeni Luto who claimed credit as showstealers of the night. Their wild back-and-forth clash, which went halfway into the third before Escobedo caught Luto by submission, was touted by fans as the match of the night. "I thought that roof was going to come down in that building, because of so much excitement,” Meacham lamented.
Match results from TFA 17 on 4/17/10 are as follows:
165 lbs. – Joey Guevara def. Justin Rodriguez via decision.
160 lbs. – Jason Gonzales def. Brian Jimenez via TKO, R1, 0:32.
145 lbs. – Craig Cook def. Juan Estrada via TKO, R1, 1:53.
158 lbs. (catch weight) – James Distler def. Edward Chavez via split decision.
170 lbs. – Bradley Crihfield def. Ryan Escobedo via submission, R1, 1:43.
240 lbs. (catch weight) – Jesse Escobedo def. Kipeni Lutu via submission, R3, 0:54.
160 lbs. – Brandon Anderson def. Shane Watts via submission, R3, 0:54.
195 lbs . (catch weight – Rocky Bice def. Michael Morrow via TKO, R1, 0:23.
235 lbs. (catch weight) – Jens Grau def. Danny Radovcic via TKO, R1, 1:09.
Although his website lists June 19th as the next TFA date, Meacham also suggested doing a co-promote show with his previous promotion, sometime in July. Regardless, Bice and Grau, dubbed ‘Todd’s Golden Boys of TFA,’ are confirmed to be featured attractions.
“They put on a good show, people like to see them, they’re both successful businessmen, and those are the people I like to sell tickets to,” he explained.
For more info on upcoming amateur MMA action, visit http://www.camo-mma.org/events.
CAMO Event Round Up for 4/7/10 to 4/11/10
By Jay Tan
“Fight Night to the Mansion” by way of San Diego
MMA fans were privy to some mid-week excitement in San Diego when Undisputed Promotions held a mixed kickboxing and MMA event at the On-Broadway Events Center. All MMA fighters were making their CAMO debut.
“It’s an out-of-body experience when you’re inside the ring,” said Sample about the night. “Try to embrace this time. I’ll never get it back. My first MMA fight experience. Just try to soak it all up, let it all in,“ he lamented.
Titled “Fight Night to the Playboy Mansion,” the evening’s matches were part of the annual National Indian Gaming Association conference and trade show. The semi-private event consisted of three MMA and four kickboxing matches, and featured a ring girl competition and guest Playboy Bunnies.
The Playboy-branded “Fight Night to the Mansion” series is a traveling pro-am MMA and kickboxing event which tours throughout the Western U.S. and Canada. Winners on these traveling shows are earmarked by the promoters to appear on a fight card at the Playboy Mansion later this year.
Match results from “Fight Night to the Playboy Mansion” on 4/7/10 are as follows:
165 lbs. – Paul Blancaflor def. Eugene Marenya via TKO, R3, 0:38.
155 lbs. – Carlos Caliso Jr. def. Ben Sample via unanimous decision.
205 lbs. – Donny Camp def. Eddie Mendoza via TKO, R1, 0:32.
Return of the Dragon in San Francisco
Later that weekend, Nor Cal was treated to a hot night of competitive combat when Dragon House MMA held their second event, a 12-bout full-amateur card that, according to promoter / matchmaker Zhong Luo, exceeded the fight standards set by the previous show.
“The skill level was definitely much higher than the last show. Guys were much more prepared,” noted Luo.
Among the back-and-forth standouts were Stacie Seidner vs. Jaimelene Nievera, which almost stole the show, and Sasha Montgomery vs. Bryan Cook. In the main event, Greg Ulatowski, traditionally a ground specialist, tested his striking skills against Cody Orrison, reputed to be tricky striker with a very unorthodox style.
Match results from Dragon House MMA on 4/10/10 are as follows:
135 lbs. - Jordan Felix def. Miguel Castillo via TKO, R2, 0:12.
155 lbs. - Christian Safranek def. Patrick Jernigan via unanimous decision.
140 lbs. - Andrew Hansen def. Brian Liu via unanimous decision.
140 lbs. - Chris Buron-Navarro def. Christopher Spencer via unanimous decision.
185 lbs. - Sasha Montgomery def. Bryan Cook via split decision.
160 lbs. - Frank Flores def. Tauheed Safi via TKO, R1, 1:18.
265 lbs. – Timothy Palengat def. Tim Miller via TKO, R2, 1:58.
130 lbs. - Stacie Seidner def. Jaimelene Nievera via unanimous decision.
205 lbs. – Lamar Gosey def. Leon Big Leggins via TKO, R1, 0:13.
210 lbs. - Justin Vizcarra def. Steven McGough via unanimous decision.
160 lbs. - Antonio Amaya def. Pardaise Vaovasa via TKO, R1, 1:14.
170 lbs. – Greg Ulatowski def. Cody Orrison via unanimous decision.
With nine matches on the previous event and twelve matches on this night, Dragon House MMA intends to create a promotion whose philosophy towards working with regional gyms is “the more the merrier.” Luo himself explained that his open-arms approach is partially to offer experience opportunities to fighters, but also to foster a camaraderie among coaches and trainers that might otherwise never develop.
“A lot of schools really isolate themselves. Regardless of competition between schools in the same town, coming to an event like this brings all the schools closer to each other. And coaches get to know each other. The more competition like this, you just get the skill level much higher. Amateur fighters need practice much more,” he noted.
Of course, the issues of ticket sales is of paramount concern for any promoter, which underlines the notion that cooperation and inclusion fuels the show, the fans, and the fighters. “The schools help to sell tickets. I couldn’t do this without all the teachers, and different gyms. All the schools have been really supportive. They always fill up the weight classes and help me to put up a good show.”
Among the teams that competed on this show were Team USA, El Nino Training Center, Charles Gracie, as well as gyms in Union City, San Jose, and Humboldt, whose team endured a seven-hour drive to participate.
Playboy’s “Fight Night to the Mansion” returns to California, and on June 26th, Dragon House MMA expands their show to the larger Kezar Pavillion in San Francisco. According to Luo, two female matches will be among the highlights of the event.
For more info on upcoming amateur MMA action, visit http://www.camo-mma.org/events.
CAMO Event Round Up for 4.2 to 4.4
By Jay Tan
Conquest in the Cage VII / Civic Disobedience 2 Event Results
All-Star Promotions / Ka-Boom Productions held the seventh installment of their “Conquest in the Cage” pro-am MMA series at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The event, entitled “Civic Disobedience 2,” featured three highly-competitive amateur matches, and another six pro bouts.
Chris Golz faced his highest-profile match to date, against Andre “Priest” Holmes, the younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes. Golz, an undefeated fan favorite out of Gauntlet Jiu-Jitsu, traded heavy shots and several big takedowns with the younger Holmes, but in the end, walked away with the unanimous decision.
“To me, that was all about just cardio. Who has the best cardio? And I think Chris was in better shape,” said promoter Ed Holmes (no relation).
Opening the show, Ryan Barela and Chris Westrop locked horns standing and on the ground, with plenty of transitions, for a compelling and razor-thin split decision. Westrop’s Black Mat MMA teammate, Brandon Wilson, making his CAMO debut, made a fierce impression with fighters and fans alike, winning in the first round.
Match results for the amateur portion of Civic Disobedience 2 on 4/3/10 are as follows:
130 lbs – Ryan Barela def. Chris Westrup by split decision.
190 lbs. – Chris Golz def. Andre Holmes via unanimous decision.
140 lbs. – Brandon Wilson def. Brandon Weil via TKO, R1, 0:42.
Having run shows on a regular schedule since late last year in two different locations, All-Star / Ka-Boom have created a solid reputation for establishing an exciting setting for amateur fighters to compete, and for their fans to cheer. With that kind of atmosphere, it would be easy for fighters to get caught up and presume themselves ready for the “Big Time.”
However, Holmes is quick to note the importance of allowing fighters time to establish themselves with more than just a few matches, and not to assume that one or two rising stars indicate that everybody is on the fast track to pro status: “There’s guys that, man, I think they could be a pro already, but there’s guys there that that’s exactly where they belong: with the amateurs. And that’s what we’re trying to do, is make that good. Not put these guys in over their head, because it doesn’t make good for anybody. It should be a fair fight.”
Amateurs bring the noise and rock the boat at Rebel Fighter in Placerville
Farther north that same day, Enrique Perez’ Rebel Fighter promotion held their first-ever pro-am event, drawing a packed crowd to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville.
For Perez, adding amateurs to the card was a test he doesn’t regret taking: “This was our 10th event so far. We had always done pros, and I decided to experiment with some amateurs. I’m really glad I did, because the amateur commission was great to work with. . . I believe one of the amateur fights was Fight of the Night.”
Match results for the amateur portion of Rebel Fighter on 4/3/10 are as follows:
155 lbs. – Eddie Mccleary def. Jacob Preston via TKO (referee stoppage), R1, 1:31.
160 lbs. (catchweight) – Brandon Smith def. Michael Lowder via split decision.
170 lbs. – Jose Quinonez def. Jesse Roberts via unanimous decision.
170 lbs. – Alex Ivanov def. Dave Odlin via submission, R1, 1:14.
According to Perez, Quinonez vs. Roberts was the show-stealer, as the two ground specialists duked it out for three rounds, thrilling the crowd with heavy trades of leather.
“It really surprised me, because Jose Quinones, he’s an awesome jiu Jitsu fighter. Jesse Roberts, he took fourth in state in wrestling. Both have really good ground credentials, but they decided to stand up and bang it out. . . It was toe-to-toe through the whole fight. There was not a dull moment through the whole deal,” he said.
Perez was impressed not only with the level of competition and skill among the amateurs, but also their fan followings, noting “I think that probably 40-50% of the crowd were there to see the amateurs. They brought their grandmothers, sisters, brothers, whole family and friends. The loudest [applause], and the most noise that they made were for the amateurs.”
For more info on upcoming amateur MMA action, visit http://www.camo-mma.org/events.
CAMO Event Round Up for 3.26 to 3.28
By Jay Tan
Fight Night Triple Threat for Amateur MMA
MMA fans weren’t at a loss for live action on Friday night, as three different shows took place in California.
Nor Cal fans were treated to another Strikeforce Challengers pro-am event, this time emanating from the Save-Mart Center in Fresno. The night’s pro bouts featured stars such as Andre Galvao, Ron “Abongo” Humphrey, Miesha Tate, and 2004 wrestling Olympian Daniel Cormier. The main event saw Lavar Johnson return to MMA action after being the victim of multiple gunshot wounds in July 2009.
As for the untelevised amateur portion, three CAMO-sanctioned bouts opened the event.
Match results from Strikeforce Challengers on 3/26/10 are as follows:
145 lbs. – Avery KayKeo def. Chris Buron-Navarro via split decision.
170 lbs. – Ricky Jackson def. Trinidad Valdez via KO, R1, 1:59.
151 lbs. – Paul Ruiz def. John Chacon via unanimous decision.
Pryme Time runs first amateur MMA event in Oxnard
March 26th proved to be the right time for Rene Carranco’s Pryme Time promotion, which ran their first CAMO event at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center
“The event went great. We sold out, so I can’t complain with that,” Carranco immediately noted. “I’ve always been speculative about putting on amateur shows, only for the sake of not knowing. All my shows, whether they were boxing or MMA, have always been professional fights. But I was surprised on how the amateurs related to it. In other words, their demeanor. The professionalism is what I really liked about that.” He then added “and the crowd loved it too. The kids did as if they would if they were [professional] fighters.”
Match results from Pryme Time on 3/26/10 are as follows:
145 lbs. – Francisco Estrada def. Jimmy Chavez via DQ, R1, 0:13.
170 lbs. – Guillermo Mondet def. Marc Terre via TKO, R2, 1:45.
135 lbs. – German Baltazar def. Santiago Raigoza via TKO, R3, 1:59.
185 lbs. – Mose Aieti def. JJ Mortimer via unanimous decision.
170 lbs. – Daniel Shin def. Justin Rodriguez via submission (triangle choke), R1, 1:34.
152 lbs. (catchweight) – Rueben Almanza def. Rob Gooch via unanimous decision.
“The good thing about this is that it actually sets the stage for [amateur fighters]. A lot of people are going to remember these kids, and it gets them ready, it gets them prepared to get prepared for the pros. I really like that fact. . . “We need to portray that in this business. We want to make sure that everything is done professional and with the utmost respect for the sport itself.”
That same night, Jeff Restivo & Anthony Arria returned to the Santa Barbara area, at the Ventura Fairgrounds, with their CA Fight Syndicate series. Titled “Battle of the 805,” the event consisted of four amateur and three pro bouts, including wins for Jesse “Powder” Newell, Joe Pearson, and Tony “El Cucui” Ferguson.
Match results from CA Fight Syndicate on 3/26/10 are as follows:
206 lbs. (catchweight) – John Hernandez def. Bruno Casillas via TKO, R1, 1:33.
138 lbs. (catchweight) – Tim Riscen def. Angelo Crinzi via unanimous decision.
185 lbs. – Shannon Good def. Mike Perez via unanimous decision.
155 lbs. – Michael Gahan def. Scotty Robbins via TKO, R1, 1:55.
Pryme Time plans on having their next pro-am MMA event on June 4th at Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, and is working on the possibility of an all-amateur show sometime in July. CA Fight Syndicate is scheduled for June 19th at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.
For more info on upcoming amateur MMA action, visit http://www.camo-mma.org/events.
