EVEREST // PHILLY

LILLY DUNNE (1-0) vs REBECCA LACROIX (1-0)

Strawweight Bout

ROUND ONE: To begin the night here in the City of Brotherly Love, the first featured bout is in what I’m calling Everest’s signature division, the 115 pound Strawweights, between Lilly Dunne and Rebecca Lacroix. Both of these women are coming off impressive debut victories and look to continue to build on that in this semifinals matchup. Dunne clearly got that sense of urgency in her head as she came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. She was quick to tag Lacroix with several big punches before sinking in double underhooks. Lacroix was able to defend several big blows to the body and tried pummeling her way into better position, but Dunne pushed her up against the fence before she could really get settled in. Once Dunne got her opponent pressed up, she landed a trio of sharp elbows that dropped Lacroix to the mat. Dunne neglected to pounce on top and try to finish the fight early, and as a result Lacroix was able to regain her wits while lying on the canvas. Dunne threw a few leg kicks, but got checked every time, then decided to play it smart and back away, allowing Lacroix to get back to her feet. With the fight standing once again, Dunne went back on the offensive, winning a back and forth exchange while cutting Lacroix off with stiff jabs as she tried to circle away. Dunne kept Lacroix guessing as she faked a punch and lunged in with a Thai clinch. This was just the beginning of a masterful clinch game for Lilly Dunne. After a few of her punches get blocked, Dunne snaps the head down and fires off a brutal uppercut. Lacroix tried to pummel her way out of the clinch, but she ended up leaving herself wide open with more damaging uppercuts. Once again, Dunne pressed forward and pushed Lacroix up against the fence and began unloading more punches to the head and body. Dunne lands another big uppercut that drops Lacroix again, but somehow Lacroix manages to keep the fight alive, throwing upkicks until the buzzer. A dominating first round for Lilly Dunne where the fight could have potentially been stopped on two occasions, she headed to her corner looking very confident about her performance.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Dunne

ROUND TWO: The second round begins the same for Dunne with that same energy. She closes the distance with Lacroix, who still looks a bit shaky, and wraps her up in a clinch and pushes her up against the fence. Lilly Dunne imposed her will onto Lacroix, pummeling around until there’s an opening and then firing off some heavy punches. This sequence repeats and triggers Lacroix to fire back. She throws some body shots, but Dunne is quick to defend them and then from here the two come to a stalemate. The ref pulled them apart and when the action restarted, Dunne came rushing in with a looping right hand that put Lacroix on ice skates. Dunne doesn’t let up and lunges in to trap Lacroix in a double collar Thai clinch. Lacroix looked like she was just hanging on, and Dunne seized the opportunity to unload a flurry of combinations to the head and body. Lacroix can’t do anything but to curl up and keep Dunne from firing off anymore strikes. Another stalemate and the ref intervenes. The separation doesn’t last long as Dunne lunges right back in and pushes Lacroix up against the fence. The two jockey for position which allows an opening for Dunne to fire off a flurry of punches. Lacroix tries to shrug out, but Dunne clamps down. More pummeling back and forth for position and once again Dunne sees an opening to fire off more punches to the head and body. Lacroix tries to retaliate with some body shots, but Dunne blocks them effectively. After the exchange, another stalemate ensues and the referee steps in to break them up. Both fighters circled back to the center of the cage and while Dunne kept her focus looking for an opening, Lacroix looked to be doing nothing more than trying to catch her breath. Lilly Dunne fired off an explosive looping right hand that tagged Lacroix right on the chin. Lacroix’s legs turn to jello as she tries staying upright, which allows Dunne to easily sink in a double collar Thai clinch. Dunne immediately launches a flurry of punches. Both women look to be feeling the exhaustion starting to creep in now as they simply hang onto each other for a while before the ref stepped back in to separate the two. The two circle back toward the center of the octagon and Lacroix tries to catch Dunne off guard by throwing a short burst combination. Nothing lands as Dunne kept her head on a swivel and then, you guessed it, she goes for the clinch. Lacroix however side steps out of the way and throws a big right hook that nearly tagged Dunne, but unfortunately for her, hits nothing but air. Dunne retaliates with a combo and catches Lacroix in a plum clinch and pushes her up against the fence once again. Dunne kept changing it up on Lacroix, connecting with head and body shots until the buzzer signaled the end of the round. Another solid outing for Dunne as she clearly won that round. You could argue this was another 10-8 round, but since Lacroix was able to stay on her feet, I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, but clearly she has some work to do.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Dunne (20-17 Dunne)

ROUND THREE: Final round here and although both fighters are feeling the effects of a fast paced fight, their eyes tell two completely different stories. Lacroix knows she’s down two rounds and has to pull off a finish, so she goes on the offensive with some leg kicks, but none of them land with any significance. Dunne tries to catch her off balance and go for a clinch, but Lacroix steps aside and fires off another leg kick, which doesn’t land. Dunne stays persistent and finally catches Lacroix in a Thai clinch and pushes her back into the fence. After hosting for position for a moment, Dunne starts unloading again with a barrage of punches. After getting touched up quite a bit, Lacroix goes for a takedown, but Dunne stuffed it and countered with a stinging elbow. Lacroix gets dropped but bounces right back to her feet where Dunne rushes back in with the clinch game. The two pummel back and forth, throwing hands in the mix, until Dunne goes back with the elbows. She repeatedly tagged Lacroix and the referee nearly stopped it right there, but Lacroix got saved by the bell. This one goes the distance, but it’s clear that Lilly Dunne takes the victory and advances into the Strawweight Finals.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Dunne (30-26 Dunne)

JUDGES’ SCORECARDS

Lilly Dunne 10 10 10: 30

Rebecca Lacroix 8 8 8: 24

Lilly Dunne 10 10 10: 30

Rebecca Lacroix 8 8 8: 24

Lilly Dunne 10 10 10: 30

Rebecca Lacroix 8 8 8: 24

Winner: Lilly Dunne by Unanimous Decision

Statistics: Lilly Dunne

Punches 23/33 (70%)

Kicks 0/8 (0%)

Clinch strikes 102/151 (68%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)

Time on the ground 0 s

Statistics: Rebecca Lacroix

Punches 0/6 (0%)

Kicks 0/7 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)

Takedowns 0/1 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 116 s

ABBIE PETERSON (1-0) vs FRANCISCO SILVA (1-0)

Featherweight Bout

ROUND ONE: The first Featherweight semifinals bout features two heavy hitters in Abbie Peterson and Francisco Silva. While Peterson executed a nearly flawless five round main event bout against Blue Barrera, it only took a handful of strikes against Stevie Tavoularis for Silva to earn his spot in the semifinals. As soon as the first round began, both fighters quickly closed the gap and began trading blows back and forth. Silva gets the upper hand in the early exchange, but good offense would soon come to a screeching halt. Peterson fakes a punch to freeze up Silva long enough to lunge in and secure a Thai clinch. The two would pummel back and forth for position, but Peterson was first to see an opening and delivered a three-piece combo of knees that got the crowd excited. Silva tried to escape the clinch, but Peterson held on tight and delivered a flying knee that rocked Silva back. Abbie let go of the clinch as Silva stumbled on his heels before circling back to the center of the octagon. Silva cautiously circled back into Peterson and as soon as he got within range, he threw a fast combo of punches, but Peterson was able to dodge them and cause Silva to get off balance and then wrapped him up in a single collar clinch. More knees from Peterson which again causes Silva to stumble back and somehow break free. Peterson circled back toward the center and just as Silva follows suit, she connects with a stinging leg kick. The kick connected but before Peterson could get her footing settled back, Silva catapulted himself and landed an absolutely violent flying knee. Peterson didn't see it coming and as a result, her mouthpiece went flying in the air in true highlight reel fashion. Peterson was clearly rocked, but her instincts kicked in and she circled her way out of striking range to recuperate. Silva keeps the pressure on, though, and both fighters engage in a wild exchange. Peterson somehow gets the best of the back and forth and finishes it off by going back into her comfort zone, the clinch. Peterson lands more knees before breaking off. With just moments left in the round, both fighters stood and teed off on each other for what felt like an eternity, but gradually Peterson got the upper hand before she wrapped Silva back up in the clinch and pushed him up against the fence. With seconds remaining, Peterson delivered another flying knee and dropped Silva to the mat. Silva shows signs of life on the ground long enough for the buzzer to sound and see another round. Pretty dominating first frame for Peterson, one I was leaning toward a 10-8 score, but Silva managed to work in enough damaging blows to dispute it.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Peterson

ROUND TWO: The second round began with the visual of seeing Francisco Silva cut up pretty badly while Abbie Peterson looked like she just finished a light cardio workout. As the two closed the distance, Peterson came scorching in with a big looping right hand and staggered Silva. As he’s backpacking out, Peterson flies in with another looping right hand, and Silva is in serious trouble as his motor skills begin to shut down. Silva’s hands dropped during the fog of confusion and Peterson launched a lethal head kick and Silva dropped to the mat. Before Peterson could tack on any more offense, the referee jumped in and called off the fight. Peterson celebrates the huge win as she punched her ticket to the finals.

Winner: Abbie Peterson by TKO (High Kick) at 0:39 Round 2

Statistics: Abbie Peterson

Punches 18/30 (60%)

Kicks 3/3 (100%)

Clinch strikes 25/39 (64%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

Statistics: Francisco Silva

Punches 3/18 (17%)

Kicks 1/1 (100%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 8 s

DIMITRI KOLOVIK (2-2) vs SERGEY LOKTEV (1-0)

Heavyweight Bout

ROUND ONE: The first encounter of the big boys is next on the docket, as Dimitri Kolovik took on Sergey Loktev. Both of these guys are coming into this semifinal bout with momentum after impressive first round finishes at eMMA // DENVER, and have their sights set on reaching the finals. We start the fight with Kolovik shooting a single leg. The two scramble for position for a while on the ground, but Kolovik is able to improve his positioning by getting the full mount. From here, he dropped a big elbow that rocked Sergey long enough to work his way for an armbar. Loktev however is quick to recover and rolls out of it and gets to his feet. As soon as Dimitri rose to his feet, he spearheaded with a bear hug and brought Loktev back down to the mat. As they jockeyed for position, Kolovik was able to land several sharp elbows. Loktev stayed determined though and was able to roll out and reverse into a half guard. Kolovik tried to throw some big hammerfists from the bottom, but Loktev was able to defend them. From here, neither man made any advancements and the referee decided to stand them up. Back on the feet, Kolovik dished out a solid uppercut and followed it up with a stiff jab that gave Loktev some rubber legs. Kolovik rushed in and nailed a double leg to bring it back to the mat. While the two scrambled for position, Loktev was able to close his guard. Kolivik went back with the elbows, but Loktev was ready for them and shielded himself with his forearms. Loktev tried to roll out, but Kolovik moved to side mount and dropped a couple of heavy hammerfists to the body. Loktev continued to work from the bottom and was able to create enough space to escape and get back to his feet. With just a few moments left in the first round, both men circled around a bit before Kolovik hit another double leg takedown. Kolovik tried to unload with some elbows with just seconds remaining, but Loktev deflected them with the buzzer sounding thereafter. Solid pace from these guys, but I wonder how long they’ll be able to keep it up as they both were suckingwind heading to their corners. Kolovik took this round as he controlled the tempo with his superior grappling.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Kolovik

ROUND TWO: The second round saw a little more urgency from Loktev as they walked out from their corners and he initiated with some punches which Kolovik retaliated. Neither one landed anything significant so Kolovik decided to go back to what has worked for him so far and shoot in for a double leg. Loktev didn’t see it coming and got planted to the mat and immediately they scramble for position. Kolovik gets to an open guard and tries dropping more elbows, but Loktev blocks them and counters with a couple of big shots to the body. Kolovik fired back with some tentative punches that didn't seem to do much damage as Loktev continued to work from the bottom and was able to roll and reverse to top position. Before Sergey could get settled in, Kolovik rolls and reverses back on top, but Sergey uses that momentum to roll back on top. Incredible display of technical prowess from these guys, but after the wild string of reverses, neither man makes any advancements and the referee intervenes and stands them back up. Back on their feet, both fighters seem to take a breather before stepping into each other and trade blows. A lot of wild swinging from both, with mixed connections. Kolovik tried catching Loktev off guard with a takedown, but it got stuffed. Kolovik is able to circle away and create some distance and the fatigue is clearly setting in now as both fighters don’t immediately engage. Slowly, Kolovik circles into his opponent and launches a leg kick to which Loktev checks. Both fighters feel they are in striking range and exchange some punches but both of them hit air and land nothing significant. Kolovik then lunged back in with the clinch and pushed Loktev up against the fence. The two jockey for position for a moment until Kolovik began unloading a series of solid punches. Loktev tried to defend himself, but it just left him open for Kolovik to hit him with a heel trip to bring the fight back to the ground. As Loktev was pressed up against the fence, he dropped some heavy body shots, causing Kolovik to try and better his position. Both fighters scramble to either escape for better their situation until the buzzer signals the end of the second round. A much more competitive round in my opinion, but again I give this one to Kolovik, resulting in Loktev getting into a do-or-die situation for the third and final round.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Kolovik (20-18 Kolovik)

ROUND THREE: Final round here and it’s clear that Loktev knows he’s down on the cards and has to finish this fight in order to win. Both fighters close the distance and Kolovik initiates some offense first with some leg kicks, but both of them get checked. Kolovik then throws a couple of quick jabs, in which Loktev slips out and counters back. Kolovik then launches a looping right hand that lands and Loktev counters with a stinging combo. A great exchange here and it’s clear these guys are leaving everything they have left out there in the octagon. Kolovik throws a quick one-two combo that gets blocked, then a series of jabs and a hook that also gets blocked. Loktev circled out from striking range and looks like he’s starting to finally find his rhythm. Kolovik comes in with a hook that just grazes the body, and Loktev counters with a stinging leg kick that echoes throughout the building. Kolovik changed levels and shot a single leg, but Loktev stuffed it. Kolovik scrambled back up to his feet and grabbed Loktev by the waist and this time took him down with a bear hug takedown. Once on the ground, a wild scramble ensues with neither man gaining any clear control. Kolovik eventually is able to plant his opponent down long enough to drop some heavy elbows, but Loktev is able to block them. From here another stalemate with not much movement and the referee decided to stand them up. Back on their feet, Kolovik throws a hook to the body but misses as Loktev side steps out and connects with a low leg kick. Kolovik tried bringing the fight to his expertise and shot a single leg but it got stuffed and Loktev circled away. Kolovik follows him but eats a bruising one-two combo. Loktev tried finishing off the combo with a hook but it just grazed the body. Just seconds remaining here, Loktev reset his feet and feinted a leg kick then switched targets to land a nice kick to the body. Kolovik tried countering with a hook but hit nothing but air, and Loktev countered with a hard cross. The buzzer sounded and marked the end of this fight. An incredible pace set by these big guys and once that the crowd definitely enjoyed. Loktev won this round in my mind, but I have to assume Kolovik took the first two. Interested to see how the judges score that second round as it was definitely the defining round of this fight as the tide slowly began to turn in Loktev’s favor.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Loktev (29-28 Kolovik)

JUDGES’ SCORECARDS

Dimitri Kolovik 10 10 9: 29

Sergey Loktev 8 9 10: 27

Dimitri Kolovik 10 10 9: 29

Sergey Loktev 8 9 10: 27

Dimitri Kolovik 10 10 9: 29

Sergey Loktev 8 9 10: 27

Winner: Dimitri Kolovik by Unanimous Decision

Statistics: Dimitri Kolovik

Punches 7/22 (32%)

Kicks 0/4 (0%)

Clinch strikes 6/14 (43%)

Takedowns 6/10 (60%)

GnP strikes 5/35 (14%)

Submissions 1/1 (100%)

Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)

Time on the ground 445 s

Statistics: Sergey Loktev

Punches 13/19 (68%)

Kicks 4/5 (80%)

Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 2/3 (67%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 445 s

GIANNA HOWARD (1-0) vs BORJA GEORGE (1-1)

Strawweight Bout

ROUND ONE: Our final semifinal Strawweight Bout of the night to determine who will move on to face Lilly Dunne. A big moment for both of these fighters as Throne’s Gianna Howard takes on 9th World’s Borja George. Howard made a statement in her pro MMA debut against Jan Matsuda showcasing her lethal leg kicks while George won in her Everest debut by displaying an all-round arsenal that will surely keep Howard on her toes here tonight. We started off with a touch of the gloves and from here the gears started turning quickly. George landed a solid one-two combo and Howard tried countering back but George was quick to defend and fired back with a big hook to the body. Howard launched a front kick but got blocked and George countered with a big hook to the body. Howard circled out and tried to adjust her strategy, but everything she threw at George was blocked or dodged. George was displaying some great athleticism with her movement to stay untouched with any strikes thrown her way. George caught Howard off guard and wrapped her up in a clinch, then took her down with an outside leg sweep. The two scrambled on the ground but George was able to maintain position in the side mount. From here, George worked her way into full mount, and things didn’t look good for Howard. George unloaded with some ground and pound, but Howard was able to defend anything significant. From here, Howard created some space and rolled to reverse on top. Nothing going on from here and the referee eventually stepped in and stood them back up. Back on the feet, George was able to dodge more strikes thrown her way, and managed to time up a perfect single leg to bring the fight back to the mat. George worked her way into nearly locking in a kneebar, but Howard managed to roll and kick her leg free to get back to her feet. Just as the two stood back up, the buzzer sounded, marking the end of the round. Hard to imagine Borja George doesn’t take this opening round here. Her fast footwork kept her mostly untouched while pushing the pace and setting up a couple of nice takedowns behind her jab.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 George

ROUND TWO: It’s time to see now what kind of adjustments were made from both of these fighters. Howard came out with a little more aggressiveness and launched a hook to the body, but George dodged it and countered with a leg kick, to which Howard checked. Howard then started measuring up with her jab and delivered some great accuracy with the punches. Howard then fired off a leg kick, which George checked and countered with a leg kick of her own, to which Howard checked. The focus level is at a high for both fighters as they circle around looking for angles. Howard came rushing in, landing some big strikes and George had no other choice but to clinch with overhooks to slow down the ambush. Howard pushed off to keep her range and before too long, both fighters engaged in a wild exchange of punches. Howard got the edge in the exchange and tried finishing off with a hook to the body and a jab. The hook landed but George blocked the jab before circling out, hinting at some pain in her side. Howard cuts her off and launches a leg kick before switching targets and landing a big kick to the body. George’s ribs absorbed the kick, but she tried catching her opponent off guard with a takedown, but Howard read it well and stuffed it. Both fighters then fired off some kicks which got checked and the two circled around back toward the center of the octagon. George tried going back for the clinch, but Howard pushed her off and came raining down with a barrage of punches. George tried backpedaling out, but Howard kept the pressure on, landing a solid leg kick then another hook to the body. The buzzer sounded and another round was in the books. A totally different outcome this round, as Howard clearly won this one.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Howard (19-19 Push)

ROUND THREE: Final round here and you get the feeling this one is all tied up on the scorecards. These last five minutes decides who moves on and who goes home. Howard came out with that same fire from round two, going back to the body with a hook but her follow up middle kick gets blocked. George looked like she was trying to work in the clinch again, but every time she went inside, Howard fired off a leg kick to keep her at bay. Another big hook to the body from Howard hits nothing but air as George dodged it well. George then drops levels and shoots a takedown, but gets derailed by a big knee from Howard. As George stumbles back to stay on her feet, Howard rushes in with another flurry of strikes. Howard finished off the attack with a nasty liver kick that wrenched George. Things were looking bleak as George tried wrapping around Howard’s waist for a bear hug takedown, but Howard was easily able to defend it. Just as the two were separating, Howard launched a stiff straight right, followed by a hook, and George slipped to the mat. George immediately kept her legs up and staved off an ambush from Howard. While George stayed on the ground, mostly recouping, Howard cautiously stepped in and landed a trio of kicks to the leg. George would throw some upkicks to keep some distance, and eventually got back up to her feet. Circling around now, Howard went back to the body with a hook, and then a leg kick. Both landed and it appeared that George’s knee buckled a bit from the kick. At this point, Howard could smell blood in the water and just tee’d off on George, switching back and forth between punches and leg kicks. Another jab-hook combo dropped George, where she stayed put and tried to just kill the clock. Howard did what she did before, launching kicks to the leg until the buzzer sounded. No doubt in my mind Gianna Howard took this final frame in the fight and very well the victory.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Howard (29-28 Howard)

JUDGES’ SCORECARDS

Gianna Howard 10 10 10: 30

Borja George 9 8 8: 25

Gianna Howard 10 10 10: 30

Borja George 9 8 8: 25

Gianna Howard 10 10 10: 30

Borja George 9 8 8: 25

Winner: Gianna Howard by Unanimous Decision

Statistics: Gianna Howard

Punches 29/51 (57%)

Kicks 22/36 (61%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/3 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 119 s

Statistics: Borja George

Punches 6/16 (38%)

Kicks 0/1 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 1/4 (25%)

GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)

Submissions 1/1 (100%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 218 s

ALISTAIR McKAY (1-0) vs PEDRO ITO (1-0)

Featherweight Bout

ROUND ONE: In the final Featherweight semifinals bout, we get the pleasure of seeing two big strikers go toe-to-toe. Alistair McKay has been training under the Real Killas roof over the last few weeks as a tryout candidate, and up to this point he’s shown some incredible power behind his punches and will need to bring out that same heat against Pedro Ito. Neither man tried to initiate a glove touch but it’s probably more of not stepping into each other’s striking range right off the bat. The two circle around for a moment before McKay rushes in with a big hook to the body, followed up with a stiff straight left. Pedro stumbled on his feet, looking a bit dazed, before trapping McKay with double underhooks. Inside the clinch, the two pummeled back and forth trying to improve their position until McKay pushed off to get some separation and unloaded a flurry of hooks and body shots. Pedro is skating on his heels but McKay continues to walk him down. Finally Ito began to defend a majority of the strikes and tried to counter but hit nothing but air. Just as the two fighters break off from the clinch, Alistair McKay came storming in with a ferocious looping left hand that connected cleanly on the button and put Pedro Ito right to sleep. McKay was ambushed by his corner in celebration knowing he advanced to the finals.

Winner: Alistair McKay by KO (Punch) at 1:46 Round 1

Statistics: Alistair McKay

Punches 3/3 (100%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 4/11 (36%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

Statistics: Pedro Ito

Punches 0/4 (0%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

DeMARCUS GRESHAM (1-0) vs WAYLAND HUGHES JR. (1-0)

Heavyweight Bout

ROUND ONE: Our final Heavyweight Bout for the evening brought together a well known combat champion and Real Killa tryout prospect DeMarcus Gresham against a promising yet unknown 9th World prospect Wayland Hughes Jr. To say that there have been some tension between these two camps as of late would be an understatement, although not because of these two. As such, these two fighters started things off circling around to look for angles. Hughes was first to make a move, as he lunged forward and took Gresham down with a bear hug takedown. As they scrambled for position on the ground, Hughes saw an opening and came raining down with a big elbow. Gresham’s head bounced off the mat and looked stunned just long enough for Hughes to go for a kneebar. Gresham was quick to kick free though and scrambled to get to a top side mount position. These two would jockey back and forth for position but Gresham was able to keep control of the situation until Hughes tried to catch him off guard with a kimura. Gresham quickly grabbed his forearm and broke free then threw a series of punches, but Hughes was able to block them with his forearms. Hughes keeps the pressure on and tosses his legs up and catches Gresham in a triangle choke. Things looked bleak for Gresham as his face began to flush, but somehow he was able to slip free and scramble to his feet. As both fighters stood back up, they circled around for a bit. Hughes tried to measure his distance with some jabs, but Gresham was able to dodge them and counter with a devastating hook that nearly lifted Hughes up off the ground. Hughes tried circling away from any further danger but Gresham cut him off. Hughes is clearly still dazed but in desperation, drops to hit a single leg and surprisingly takes Gresham to the mat. A lot of jockeying back and forth ensues but eventually Hughes is able to get to a full mount. He tried locking in an Americana but Gresham is just too strong and breaks free with ease. From here, Hughes throws a few feint punches to set up an armbar. He nearly got it locked in until Gresham grabbed his own arm and broke free then rolled to get a top mount. Some more jockeying back and forth plays out before Hughes goes for an arm triangle out of nowhere. Gresham once again is able to slip free, but Hughes goes back on the attack with an armbar. Gresham really showcases his strength in this moment by ripping out of the submission and rolling up to his feet. Hughes quickly stood up as well but the buzzer concluded this round. An exciting fast paced technical chess match brought the best out of these fighters’ ground game. Gresham was able to keep himself from getting caught in a barrage of submission attempts, and landed a couple of damaging blows, so to me I give this one to the boxing champ.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Gresham

ROUND TWO: The second round starts off with both fighters feeling good about their performances, and rightly so. Hughes continues to set the pace and takes Gresham to the mat with a slick sweep single and the two scramble on the ground for position. Hughes found an opening and dropped three big elbows which caused Gresham to try and scramble for better position. Hughes jumped over to side mount and continued dropping elbows, this time to the body. Hughes worked his way back to full mount, where he then tried to slip in an armbar, but Gresham pushed him off and both fighters ended up rolling back up to their feet. This is where we expected Gresham to take over, however it was Hughes who pushed forward with offense. He tagged Gresham with a straight right to an uppercut. Gresham circled away, but Hughes kept measuring him with his jab, then threw a big hook to the body. Hughes continued with some tentative punches that ultimately set up a textbook takedown. On the ground the two scrambled for position. Hughes saw an opening and threw a couple punches but Gresham effectively blocked them. Gresham then tried to roll out and escape, but Hughes caught him and took his back. A very bad spot for the boxer as Hughes worked his way into getting a hook in and then sunk in a rear naked choke. Gresham peeled Hughes’ arm off his neck, but his opponent stayed persistent. Hughes threw a leg over Gresham’s arm and went back for a rear naked choke. Gresham, once again, showcased his incredible strength by freeing an arm and then wedged his way out of the submission before rolling to get top position. This doesn’t last long, though, as Hughes rolls back on top while Gresham closes guard. A few seconds pass by as both fighters jockey for position. Hughes launched some tentative punches that distracted Gresham long enough to jump to side mount. Hughes kept the pressure on and continued to work his ground game until he secured an arm and slipped in a kimura. Gresham tried to escape with everything he had, but the back and forth ground game looked to have exhausted any energy left in him. As the kimura cranked back to cringe-worthy levels, Gresham has no choice but to tap. A wild finish to an incredible fight. While the fans in attendance are respectful for Hughes’ victory and advancement to the Heavyweight Championship finals, you could clearly tell the wind being taken out of the majority of the fans. A tough loss to the boxing champ, but there’s no question, as time goes on and the experience level progresses, DeMarcus Gresham has got a very bright future as a two/three sport combat competitor.

Winner: Wayland Hughes Jr. by Submission (Kimura) at 4:21 Round 2

Statistics: DeMarcus Gresham

Punches 6/7 (86%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/5 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 406 s

Statistics: Wayland Hughes Jr.

Punches 5/8 (62%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)

Takedowns 4/4 (100%)

GnP strikes 12/16 (75%)

Submissions 12/12 (100%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 406 s

D’ANTE JACKSON (1-0) vs LOVELIE SAINT-CYR (1-0)

Welterweight Bout

ROUND ONE: It’s time now for the Co-Main Event, and our first of two back-to-back Welterweight Bouts. It seemed clear that the 170 pound division brings that special type of fighter who has the blazing speed along with some powerful striking. That can be said with these two fighters coming up as 9th World’s D’Ante Jackson takes on Red Rock Fighting’s Lovelie Saint-Cyr. Both of these fighters showed in their pro debuts that they have all of the tools to take this fight anywhere. To start things off, Jackson came out wanting to continue with that power striking, but a fast jab and hook to the body hit air while Saint-Cyr countered with a big uppercut. These two showed each other a lot of respect as they circled around and stayed patient. Saint-Cyr launched a middle kick that whizzed past Jackson’s ribs, but went back after it with a hook to the body. Saint-Cyr measured his distance with some jabs, then came in with a stinging straight right that rocked his opponent. Jackson tried keeping some distance with a leg kick, but it got checked and Saint-Cyr came firing back with a barrage of punches. Jackson changed levels and went for a takedown, but Saint-Cyr stuffed it. As they scrambled back up, they traded blows back and forth and both fighters had their moments. Jackson tried circling out to regroup, but Saint-Cyr cut him off with another brutal uppercut. Saint-Cyr continued pressing forward with the jab then started teeing off on Jackson. Jackson fired back with punches, but Saint-Cyr was able to dodge most of them. Jackson went back with the takedown, but again Saint-Cyr stuffed it, and forced Jackson to pull guard. On the ground, both fighters scrambled for position, and most of the strikes thrown from both were blocked until the buzzer. Saint-Cyr headed to his corner feeling confident in his performance, and I agree he takes the opening frame.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Saint-Cyr

ROUND TWO: Back in on the action, Saint-Cyr came back in with that same energy. The two circle around for a moment, but Saint-Cyr launched a bone shattering straight right. Jackson again tried to go for a takedown, but Saint-Cyr stuffed it. A quick exchange ensues but neither one landed anything significant. Saint-Cyr fired off a leg kick that wrenched Jackson’s knee then followed up with a brutal hook. Saint-Cyr unloaded with a flurry, but Jackson circled out of it and avoided any real damage. Saint-Cyr cut him off with a liver kick, then went for a flying knee that just narrowly missed. Saint-Cyr didn’t let up though and tagged Jackson up with some solid combos before Jackson backed away. Saint-Cyr followed close behind, and Jackson tried setting up the takedown, but again Saint-Cyr defended it and countered with a stinging right hand. Jackson retaliated with a hook to the body, but Saint-Cyr dodged it and now Jackson takes a step back to try and cool down the fight. Saint-Cyr on the other hand, looked to keep the pace up. He faked a jab and landed an uppercut. Jackson launched a kick, but got checked and countered with a hook. Jackson ducked the hook and pushed off Saint-Cyr. Jackson threw a straight right that missed and started going for another takedown, but backed out of it to avoid a kick from Saint-Cyr. With the final seconds ticking away, the two engage in a wild exchange to the buzzer. Another round to Saint-Cyr, and one could argue a 10-8 round. Jackson has some work cut out for him here, as he looked overwhelmed in this round and Saint-Cyr showed no signs of slowing down.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Saint-Cyr (20-18 Saint-Cyr)

ROUND THREE: Final round here and it’s do or die time. Jackson started off with a takedown attempt but no such luck for him as Saint-Cyr stuffed it and fired back with a hook and a stinging one-two combo. Jackson is left guessing as Saint-Cyr set up another flurry of strikes and a finishing kick that just grazed Jackson’s head. Jackson fired back and the two engaged in another wild exchange. Neither fighter landed anything significant until Saint-Cyr rocked Jackson with a middle kick. Jackson went back to the well for a takedown but just cannot get it going as Saint-Cyr stuffed it again and started teeing off on Jackson, mixing up high and low kicks. Saint-Cyr then charged in with a flurry, but didn't land very many. The ones that do connect though, put Jackson in a world of hurt. Jackson is in desperation here as he launched a kick that got countered with a big hook. Saint-Cyr pressed forward behind the jab and set up a devastating haymaker. From here on out, it was the Saint-Cyr show as he landed some superb striking while keeping his head on a swivel and dodging anything coming his way. The buzzer marked the end of the round and the end of the fight, but there’s no question who takes this one. Lovelie Saint-Cyr put on a striking clinic in this fight and will be a serious threat in the championship finals.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-8 Saint-Cyr (30-26 Saint-Cyr)

JUDGES’ SCORECARDS

D'Ante Jackson 9 9 9: 27

Lovelie Saint-Cyr 10 10 10: 30

D'Ante Jackson 9 9 9: 27

Lovelie Saint-Cyr 10 10 10: 30

D'Ante Jackson 9 9 9: 27

Lovelie Saint-Cyr 10 10 10: 30

Winner: Lovelie Saint-Cyr by Unanimous Decision

Statistics: D'Ante Jackson

Punches 3/31 (10%)

Kicks 0/2 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/8 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 51 s

Statistics: Lovelie Saint-Cyr

Punches 65/82 (79%)

Kicks 9/13 (69%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 51 s

DERRIUS WEBB (1-0) vs KELVIN TAYLOR (1-0)

Welterweight Bout

ROUND ONE: It’s Main Event time and the crowd is fanatical for this fight. It’s the last slot to fill for the finals and it’s between two drastically different fighters. The Real Killas tryout prospect Derrius Webb wowed the crowd in his pro debut, securing the win in just forty seconds with a question mark kick KO against Rob Jo—no wait, John Thompson. His opponent tonight is a man hoping to meet his Red Rock Fighting camp mate in the finals, Kelvin Taylor. Taylor won his pro debut by grinding out a highly contested three round chess match against Rio Khaill and is sure to continue with that mentality here tonight. The first round began with a touch of the gloves as a sign of respect. Circling around, the two occasionally threw light jabs to measure their distance. Webb made the first attack with a nasty leg kick and Taylor’s knee instantly buckled. Webb sensed danger right off the rip as Taylor tried hobbling away, and came in hot with the hands. Taylor didn’t back down though, and the two engaged in a wild exchange that got the crowd roaring. Both fighters went at it at an insane pace then suddenly got derailed when Taylor changed levels and slammed Webb to the mat with a textbook double leg takedown. As they hit the mat, Webb closed his guard around Taylor and both guys struggled for position. Surprisingly, Webb found some space and rolled to reverse on top into a half guard. From there he used his lanky legs to his advantage and moved to full mount. Taylor wrapped up Webb and kept him stationed to where no action took place. Eventually the ref stepped in and stood them up. Back on the feet, Taylor right back after it with a single leg and managed to get to side mount on the ground. He pressed forward, keeping busy and his opponent guessing, and found an opening to work in a kimura. Webb was quick to fight it off but in doing so, Taylor switched up and went for an arm triangle. Webb looked to be in serious trouble here, but somehow managed to relieve the pressure and slip free. The two scrambled for position but wound up back on their feet. Both fighters’ corner could be heard shouting orders as the last seconds tick away. Webb fired off a solid one-two combo that connected and Taylor circled out. That leg though slowed him down and Webb came up with a bone shattering straight right, followed up with another flurry combo. Taylor blocked the second wave of combo strikes and brought the fight back to the mat with a single leg. As they hit the mat, the buzzer went off and concluded the round. Very close opening round for both fighters. Webb connected with a handful of powerful strikes, most notably the leg kick that seemed to have some lasting effects. However, Taylor pushed the pace throughout and controlled his opponent with solid takedowns and ground game. For me I gave Taylor the edge, but his leg could be a serious problem for the next potential four rounds.

Isaac Cohen’s Scorecard (Unofficial): 10-9 Taylor

ROUND TWO: The second round began with gun powder and fire, as Webb and Taylor went right at it trading blows back and forth. During this wild exchange, Webb clips Taylor and Taylor staggered back on that bad leg, giving Webb the opportunity to walk him down. Taylor ate a few powerful shots, and although it looked like it was hard for him to stand, he slowly started blocking a majority of the shots. Taylor countered with a big hook, but Webb narrowly dodged it and circled away. Taylor cut him off and measured his distance with his jab then threw a fast kick that just missed. Webb countered with a big hook. Taylor ate it but changed levels for a takedown but Webb read it perfectly and stopped him with a devastating kick to the head. Taylor stumbles back and Webb fires off another leg kick to the injured leg and now things look bad for Taylor. Webb launched a liver kick but Taylor managed to block it and push off and counter with a leg kick of his own that gets checked. Taylor threw a flurry of punches thereafter but Webb circled away from the danger. Taylor tried cutting him off, but Webb launched an inside leg kick that landed, then a kick to the body that just grazed Taylor. Webb then fired off a front kick that wobbles Taylor and then followed it up with another painful leg kick. Taylor fired back with a barrage of punches and now the two are in a wild exchange. Webb started getting the upper hand and finished it off winding back and unloading a brutal leg kick. Taylor hit the mat holding his leg and the referee had seen enough and stepped in to call off the fight. Incredible back and forth bout that saw Taylor will his way through obvious pain right off the bat, but once again Derrius Webb advances due to his lethal kicks.

Winner: Derrius Webb by TKO (Low Kick) at 2:13 Round 2

Statistics: Derrius Webb

Punches 19/34 (56%)

Kicks 9/11 (82%)

Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 176 s

Statistics: Kelvin Taylor

Punches 10/21 (48%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 3/3 (100%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 2/2 (100%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 176 s

---

Venue: 2300 Arena

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Attendance: 2,000

Gate: $275,000

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT

Derrius Webb vs Kelvin Taylor

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT

Gianna Howard, Lovelie Saint-Cyr