NAAFS Caged Fury 17 Report

On April 27th the NAAFS returned to West Virginia with a solid pro card highlighted by Travis Clark defending his middleweight title against Hector Urbina. The card also featured some good up and coming talent including Isaiah Chapman, Jason Cardillo, and the pro debut of Mark Cherico. It was a great chance to see several former amateur series champions fighting early in their pro careers.

1. Pro Lightweight
Victer Crenshaw (4-2 Strong Style) vs Rhett Northcraft (9-5 Independent)

RD 1: Hook and uppercut by Crenshaw. Jab by Northcraft. They clinch and Northcraft gets a takedown. Northcraft gets his back, but Crenshaw does a good job to be able to stand. The clinch on the cage and Crenshaw takes it down. Northcraft attempts a triangle but is unable to get it. Crenshaw gets his back and lands punches. Nice scramble by Northcraft to get Crenshaw's back. Now Crenshaw scrambles and stands. Leg kick by Crenshaw. Northcraft shoots in but Crenshaw gets the takedown. Crenshaw lands head shots. Elbow from the bottom by Northcraft. More head shots by Crenshaw and then body shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Crenshaw

RD 2: Leg kick by Northcraft. Takedown by Crenshaw. Northcraft is defending well on the bottom. Crenshaw lands head shots and Northcraft pulls him close to stop the shots. Crenshaw begins landing shots to the body. Hammer fist by Crenshaw. Crenshaw gets his back but Northcraft pulls guard. Crenshaw lands head shots. The ref stands them. Leg kick by Northcraft. Head kick by Northcraft. Jab by Crenshaw. Northcraft seems to be tiring. Leg kick by Crenshaw. Kick to the body by Northcraft.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Crenshaw



RD 3: Crenshaw gets a takedown and lands body shots. Northcraft goes for an arm. Short body shots by Northcraft and then head shots. Crenshaw pulls the arm out and lands punches to the head. Crenshaw lands a few to the body. Now they are both landing strikes on the ground. Scramble and Northcraft goes for a leg and then an ankle lock. Crenshaw pulls his leg out. Northcraft lands head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Northcraft
My score card: 29-28 Crenshaw

Result: Victer Crenshaw by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

2. Pro Featherweight
Isaiah Chapman (13-1 Rock Hard MMA) vs Joe Wagner (9-1 Independent Crew)

RD 1: Leg kick by Wagner. Hard hook lands for Chapman. They clinch against the cage and Chapman takes it down. Wagner lands head shots from the bottom. Chapman stands and lets Wagner up. Head kick by Wagner. Chapman lands a nice head kick that puts Wagner out.

Result: Isaiah Chapman by KO at 1:57 of Round 1

3. Pro Featherweight
Kevin Rothacker (7-3 Strong Style) vs Josh Baker (8-1 Bullpen)

RD 1: They trade shots and then clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Rothacker. Baker tries for a double leg and gets the takedown. Rothacker stands by Baker still has his back. Baker lands knees to the back of Rothacker's leg. Takedown by Baker. Head shot by Baker and then more head shots. They stand and Baker still has his back. They separate and Baker lands a leg kick. Rothacker lands a leg kick. Jab by Baker and a cross by Rothacker. Rothacker knocks him down with a leg kick and lets him up. Hard hook by Baker. They trade leg kicks. Clinch against the cage and a takedown by Baker. Body shots by Baker.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Baker


RD 2: They trade hard shots and clinch against the cage. Rothacker takes him down but they are up quick. Clinch on the cage and Baker takes him down and gets his back. Rothacker shakes him off and lands head shots. They stand and Baker lands a jab and then another. Rothacker lands three jabs. They clinch on the cage and Baker takes him down but Rothacker gets up quick. Baker takes him down again and Rothacker gets up again. Another takedown by Baker who gets his back. Now Baker gets mount and Rothacker holds him close. Rothacker gets half guard and lands body shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Baker

RD 3: Two hooks by Rothacker. Baker shoots in and gets a takedown. Baker gets side control and lands head shots. Rothacker gets up and lands a leg kick. Baker gets a takedown and lands body shots. Rothacker works hard to stand and is able to. Rothacker gets a takedown. Baker looks for the triangle and lands elbows to the head. Body shots by Rothacker. Rothacker escapes the triangle and drops down hard punches. Rothacker stands and drops down hard shots. Elbows by Rothacker.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Rothacker
My score card: 29-28 Baker

Result: Josh Baker by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

4. Pro Featherweight
Jeremy Czarnecki (5-3 Murcielago MMA) vs Justin Steave (13-6 (H2O MMA/Fight Club Pittsburgh)

RD 1: They trade jabs and clinch on the cage. Knees by Steave. Now Czarnecki lands knees. They drop down but stand back up still clinched. Head shots by Steave. Knee by Czarnecki. They trade knees. Steave lands more knees. They drop down and Czarnecki looks for a rear naked. Head shots by Czarnecki. Czarnecki lands more head shots. Czarnecki looks for the choke again. Steave lands punches throwing them backwards.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Czarnecki


RD 2: Steave lands a hook. Hook to the body by Steave. They clinch on the cage. They separate an trade leg kicks. Clinch on the cage and Czarnecki looks for a takedown and gets it. Czarnecki lands punches in guard. Steave tries for an arm. The ref stands them. Steave lands a nice hook and gets a takedown. Hard head shots by Steave.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Steave

RD 3: Body kick by Steave. Czarnecki shoots and gets a takedown. Two head shots by Czarnecki. Czarnecki postures up and lands head shots. Steave pulls him close. Elbows by Czarnecki. Steave lands shots from the bottom. Elbows by Czarnecki. The ref stands them. Nice hook by Steave. They clinch on the cage and Czarnecki takes him down. Steave looks for a guillotine by Czarnecki pulls his head out. Bod shots by Czarnecki.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Czarnecki
My score card: 29-28 Czarnecki

Result: Jeremy Czarnecki by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

5. Pro Welterweight
Ian Rammel (11-5 Team Elite) vs Micah Bender (9-6 Team Bundy)

RD 1: Leg kick by Bender. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Bender. Nice takedown by Bender. Bender gets side control. Head shots from the bottom by Rammel. Body shots by Bender and then head shots. Bender stands and Rammel lands a nice up kick. Bender drops into Rammel's guard. Nice sweep by Rammel to get mount. Bender gets half guard. Bender is able to stand. They clinch on the cage and Rammel looks for a guillotine. Knee to the body by Rammel. Bender pulls his head out an they are still clinched. Knees to the body by Rammel. Bender drops down and gets a double leg takedown. Rammel tries for an arm as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Bender



RD 2: Jab by Rammel. Body kick by Bender. Jab to the body by Bender. Uppercut by Rammel. They clinch against the cage and Bender gets a takedown. Rammel is avoiding damage. Head shots from the bottom by Rammel. The ref stands them. Jab and body kick by Bender. Rammel is cut under his eye. Clinch against the cage and Bender tries for a takedown and gets it. Rammel sweeps and gets on top. Rammel gets a kimura for the tap.


Result: Ian Rammel by Tapout (Kimura) vs 3:53 of Round 2

6. Pro Middleweight
Adam Sepulveda (7-5 SVT) vs Chris Goldbaugh (9-3 Bullpen)

RD 1: They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Sepulveda. Head shots by Sepulveda. Goldbaugh tries for an arm. They stand and trade hard shots. Goldbaugh goes to a double leg. They separate and Goldbaugh lands two punches. They clinch and Goldbaugh tries for the double leg. Knee by Goldbaugh. Hook by Goldbaugh. Hook by Sepulveda. Push kick by Goldbaugh. Two hooks and a knee to the head by Goldbaugh. Goldbaugh landing punches and drops Sepulveda and the ref stops it.


Result: Chris Goldbaugh by TKO at 2:37 of Round 1

7. Pro Welterweight
Dequan Townsend (8-4 Murcielago MMA) vs Jason Cardillo (7-0 Fight Club Pittsburgh)

RD 1: Cardillo shoots in by Townsend moves away. He shoots in again but Townsend sprawls. He tries again and gets the takedown and side control. Townsend pulls guard. Townsend ding good to avoid damage. Cardillo stands and drops back into guard. Head shots by Cardillo. Now Cardillo lands body shots. Cardillo stands and drops into side control. Cardillo stands and Townsend lands an up kick. Cardillo drops into guard and lands head shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Cardillo

RD 2: Body kick by Townsend. Cardillo shoots in and gets a takedown. Body shots by Cardillo. Cardillo gets side control. Townsend scrambles and almost gets up. Cardillo pins his arm down and lands punches. Townsend pulls guard. Body shots by Cardillo. Head shots by Cardillo and then more body shots. The ref stands them. Hard hook by Townsend.
I scored RD 2: 10- Cardillo

RD 3: Cardillo shoots in but Townsend sprawls. Cardillo keeps trying and finishes the takedown. Cardillo gets side control. Elbow to the body by Cardillo. Cardillo tries for an arm and almost gets the kimura. Body shots by Cardillo. Elbows to the body and then the head by Cardillo. Townsend tries to scramble but can't escape. Head and body shots by Cardillo. The ref stands them. Takedown by Cardillo into side control. Two elbows to the head by Cardillo.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Cardillo
My score card: 30-27 Cardillo

Result: Jason Cardillo by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

8. Pro Featherweight
Dante Adams (3-3 Sud'n Impact) vs Mark Cherico (9-0 Fight Club Pittsburgh)


RD 1: Cherico shoots in and gets the takedown. Cherico gets side control. Nice sweep by Adams to get on top. Cherico scrambles and gets his back. Cherico gets his hooks in and the rear naked for the tap.

Result: Mark Cherico by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at :56 of Round 1

9. Pro Bantamweight
Richard McDole (7-3 Team Elite) vs Ronell Green (7-1 Bullpen)


RD 1: Leg kick by Green. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Green. McDole looks for an arm and has a tight armbar but Green pulls out. McDole gets on top and has north south position. McDole moves to side control. McDole gets mount and lands punches. Elbow by McDole and then another. Punches by McDole. McDole goes for a guillotine and has it tight but Greene escapes and is on top. Head shots by Green. Green gets his back and goes for a rear naked but McDole escapes. Green has mount and lands punches. Green gets his back. McDole turns into him and is in guard. Hard punches by McDole. McDole gets an armbar and gets the tap.


Result: Richard McDole by Tapout (Armbar) at 4:51 of Round 1

10. Pro Heavyweight
Adam Milstead (10-3 Fight Club Pittsburgh) vs Nathan Bryant (8-7 Ground Zero)

RD 1: They trade jabs. Jab to the body by Milstead. Leg kick by Milstead. Body kick by Bryant. Clinch on the cage and Milstead lands a shot to the head. Knee to the leg by Bryant and then another. Knee to the body by Milstead. They separate and trade shots. Clinch against the cage. Two knees by Milstead. Milstead tries for a guillotine by Bryant escapes. They are still clinched. Milstead tries again for a guillotine by Bryant takes him down. They are up quick and still clinched. Elbow by Milstead. They separate and Milstead lands a hard leg kick. They clinch on the cage and Milstead lands a knee. Two knees by Bryant and one by Milstead. They separate and trade hard shots. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee by Milstead. Knee to the leg by Bryant. They separate and trade wild shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Milstead

RD 2: Leg kick by Milstead. Clinch against the cage and Bryant tries for a double leg and then a single. Knee to the leg by Bryant. Knee to the body by Milstead. They separate and Milstead lands a hook. Leg kick by Bryant. Clinch against the cage and Bryant tries for a single. Head shots by Milstead. They separate and trade hard punches. Takedown by Milstead. Milstead gets his back and looks for a rear naked. Bryant escapes. Milstead stands and Bryant is slow to stand. As Bryant tries to get up Milstead hits him with a hard punch and lands two more till the ref stops it.

Result: Adam Milstead by TKO at 3:14 of Round 2

11. Pro Middleweight Title
Hector Urbina (16-6-1 Team Eltoro/Team Wolfpack) vs Travis Clark (12-0 Evovle MMA/Wolfs Lair)

RD 1: They clinch and Clark looks for a takedown. They drop down and Urbina hooks a guillotine for the tap.


Result: Hector Urbina by Tapout (Guillotine) at :16 of Round 1

Submission of the Night: Richard McDole

Knock out of the Night: Isaiah Chapman

Fight of the Night: Richard McDole vs Ronell Green

Tiffany Mosley Interview

Tiffany Mosleyy competed for the first time in 2010 and didn't place all that well, but she did look great. This year she returned to the stage at the N.C. States, this time in Physique, against a tough field of competitors. Against that tough field, she took an impressive third place. She plans on competing at Team Universe this year and can be expected to make a good showing there as well.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I was always athletic in high school and college. Running track and playing basketball. When I was stationed in New York, I went to Golds Gym to play basketball. I saw a flyer for a bodybuilding show and went to check it out. After that I said "I have to do this". I started going to the gym and copying people, I didn't know what I was doing. I saw what people did and copied that till I eventually learned.

Q: What made you compete?
A: I am a competitive person. I miss playing organized sports. Being in the military I couldn't join a track team or anything. Bodybuilding is something you can do on your own, I wanted to compete, so why not try it out.

Q: When you started to figure things out, was there anyone you looked up to.
A: A Sargent at my unit, Jaime, she's a pro bodybuilder. I asked her questions and she helped me out.

Q: You did the Gold's Classic in 2010, did you know right away you wanted to keep doing it?
A: Yeah! I was addicted as soon as I was on stage. Although I go last place, I had fun and wanted to get on stage again.

Q: Why switch to physique?
A: I like the look of physique competitors and what they are rewarding. I didn't want to get bigger, I like the size I am now. I know at my size I wouldn't go far in bodybuilding.

Q: Is there anything you changed in training or diet for physique?
A: Not really, cause I still needed more muscle. But the diet, my coach had me on a keto diet and it worked better for me. My first show I wasn't lean enough and the diet didn't work for me.

Q: You recently took third at the N.C. States against some good girls, how satisfied were you?
A: I was extremely satisfied. Just to be standing beside Britt Miller, everyone knows her and how amazing she was in bodybuilding. I was very pleased with my placing.

Q: The posing is somewhat the same and somewhat different, do you prefer one of them?
A: I love the physique posing. We are set apart and its more graceful and elegant. I love how more feminine it looks. It looks better for a woman.

Q: You are doing Team Universe correct?
A: Yes.

Q: What made you decide to do that?
A: I wanna do a National level show this year. part of it is location cause I have friends there, and part is I wanna get my moneys worth for my NPC card this year.

Q: Looking at how you looked at N.C. States, what improvements do you want to make for Team Universe?
A: My legs need to be leaner and tighter. Overall just be leaner but I really wanna work on my legs.

Q: Do you get any of the stares or unwanted attention at the gym?
A: I get a lot of stares. I wouldn't call it unwanted because I like knowing I am different. People ask questions or are interested, I haven't had anything negative said.

Q: In public do you show it off or cover it up?
A: I always show it off. Always wear straps or anything to show of my muscles, I am very proud of it.

Q: You recently were at the Arnold's, anyone you were excited to finally meet?
A: My favorite physique athlete Jillian Reville, I was so glad to meet her, and I got to meet Kai Greene.

Q: Is the goal to win a pro card?
A: Its not my ultimate goal, but I would love to. I wanna advance further on.

Q: Long term are you satisfied with physique or would you ever go back to bodybuilding?
A: Definitely sticking with physique.

Q: To me, your biggest improvements is your back, would you agree?
A: Oh yeah, my back definitely became my best part.

Q: For newer people, give an idea of your back day?
A: I always start with pull-ups, because in the marines it was a goal of mine to do more than the guys, and I think its a reason my back is so good. Then after that, lat pull-downs, dumbbell rows, underhand rows, underhand pull-downs and the straight arm pull-downs.

Q: Anyone you wanna thank?
A: This is the hard part. My coach P.J. Braun, he believed in me and improved my physique a lot. My friends and family for putting up with me and IFBB Pro Amanda Harris, she is my posing coach and is amazing.

Cassie Rodish Interview

Meghan Wright was scheduled to face Jessica Philippus at the debut Invicta card. Jessica was forced to pull out of the fight, which left an opportunity for Cassie Rodish to get on the card and take on Wright. Rodish was already in cap with a fight scheduled for two weeks after the Invicta card, so she will be coming in prepared and in shape with the hopes of putting on an exciting performance. Don't let it being the opening fight fool you into thinking its not going to be good. This fight has the chance to really be a highlight for the night.

Q: For those who may not be familiar, can you talk about how you got started in the sport?
A: Yeah, I started in Muay Thai and did a lot of amateur fights. It's how I started, and I fell in love with it. There aren't a lot of opportunities in Muay Thai so MMA was a logical progression. So I started working on my ground and did some amateur fights. I just fell in love with it and have been strictly MMA.

Q: You are replacing Jessica Philippus against Meghan Wright. How did you find out about the opportunity?
A: Janet Martin called and said Jessica had to pull out and if I would take the fight at 105LBS. I accepted, its a huge opportunity. I am super grateful she thought of me. I wanna put on a good show and thank her for the opportunity.

Q: Was there part of you that considered not accepting it on short notice, or is this just too big a card to pass up?
A: Yeah, its definitely way to big to pass up. I have had difficulties finding corners on short notice so that was uncomforting, but Jessica accepted and will be my corner. I feel good with her, she is super sweet. So I would not pass up this opportunity.

Q: How helpful can it be to have a corner like Jessica, someone who was actually training to fight your opponent?
A: That's what me and my camp talked about. If I couldn't have the people I needed, who would be the next best? The person who has trained all these weeks, who was making her pro debut, so you know she had a great game plan. That little bit of knowledge will be wonderful.

Q: on a show that's all female, is there part of you that wants to be in the fight people remember and talk about, kind of steal the show?
A: Oh yeah absolutely. Not just it being a female card, but the level of fighters on this show is incredible. I was going as a fan and now I get to be in the cage. I am so excited, I just wanna come out and make my name.

Q: What do you know about Meghan?
A: Really not a lot. I have seen tapes but her fights have been short, so I haven't seen how she reacts to going into alter rounds or what other weapons she has. Its kind of a disadvantage to not know all her qualities. I know she is scrappy and tough and likes to fight, so I expect a war.

Q: Where do you hold the biggest advantage?
A: My stand-up is really good. I feel like from what I have seen, she likes to get it to the ground and has been wrestling a while, so I think my stand-up, fast hands, hard punches and kicks, are areas that will be better. I have been working my ground the last two and a half years so wherever it goes, I feel great.

Q: Assuming she does take it to the ground, how helpful can a corner like Jessica, who has the wrestling be?
A: Obviously she is great on the ground so any insight she can give me will help. having Jessica is a win win for sure.

Q: Does the last minute change help either one of you more than the other?
A: I think it favors me because she has had time to think about the gravity of the show. For me, its just a great opportunity. I feel grateful. I am really excited. I have been training to fight may 12th so I am ready to go.

Q: What is the key to winning for you?
A: Not getting punched in the face haha. I think she wants to be on the ground on top, so the worst position for me is the bottom. So I need to be in a dominate position and on the ground be constantly working.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: Obviously I predict I will win. I would love a TKO but I will take a decision, just looking for the win.

Q: What does a card like this mean for you and women's MMA?
A: Its huge. It really shows the level of commitment they have to building the women's division. It is hard to be a female fighter. I live in Iowa and all my training partners are wonderful but I don't have other women. This helps little girls get interested in MMA and build it up. It helps people who don't have their name out there, and I am so grateful to them for doing this.

Q: Are there any other women you are excited to see fight in person?
A: I'm excited about every fight to be honest. My good friend Michele Gutierrez is fighting and I am super excited. She has been training super hard and coming off a crazy stoppage. I am most excited for her fight.

Q: Any idea what you want next?
A: Whatever comes next. This is my first pro bout at 105LBS so I am hoping after this win I can show people they want me on their cards. Hopefully I get offers at 105LBS.

Q: Anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: I have to thank my teammates at Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu, they are the best. They all push me and back me. My head coach Jarred Taylor, he has prepared me to win. Thanks to him for seeing the fighter in me. My awesome sponsors Cardio Force and Insanity Wear. Thank them for helping me. I will be wearing Insanity Fight Gear in the cage, so everyone check them out.

NAAFS Combat Challenge 20 Report

On Saturday April 21st the NAAFS put on Combat Challenge 20. A good card with some good young talent. In the Main Event Nick Browne and Josh Kallai put on a great fight where you didn't want to see either fighter get a loss on their record. Both brought their A games and showed they have great potential in the sport. In the nights lone women's fight, Jessica Gold looked great in her debut and Trisha Gerus showed a great deal of improvement since I last saw her as they had a really good fight. Another entertaining fight was Devontai Moore vs Niles Hootman as they put on a fight that got the crowd into it. Here is my play by play.

1. Amateur Bantamweight
Nick Espinosa (1-0 Brown Pride MMA) vs Roosevelt Archie (2-4 PA Brawlers)

RD 1: Jab by Archie. Leg kick and hook by Espinosa. They trade a couple jabs. Archie lands a leg kick and Espinosa lands one as well. Leg kick by Archie followed by a cross and then a jab. A hook by Espinosa. Nice hard leg kick by Archie. Espinosa lands a hook. Espinosa shoots in but can't get the takedown as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Archie

RD 2: Hook by Archie. Archie accidentally pokes Espinosa in the eye stopping action. They resume and Archie lands a hook. Espinosa gets a takedown but Archie gets on top and then Espinosa gets back in top in Archie's guard. Espinosa then gets mount and Archie does a good job avoiding damage. Espinosa is unable to do much here and Archie pulls off a nice escape to stand. Espinosa takes him back down in side control. Short punches by Espinosa.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Espinosa

RD 3: Nice slam by Espinosa. Espinosa gets side control. Archie avoids damage and pulls guard. Archie reverses and gets Espinosa's back. Archie lands punches to the head. Archie looks for a rear naked and then lands body shots. Espinosa rolls and is in Archie's guard as the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Archie
My score card : 29-28 Archie

Result: Roosevelt Archie by Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28)

2. Amateur Lightweight
Kevin Harrison (0-0 Fighters United) vs Kyle Fenton (1-0 Team Impact)

RD 1: Leg kick by Harrison. Fenton throws a kick by Harrison catches it and takes him down. They get right back up. Beautiful slam by Fenton and they get right back up. Hook by Harrison. Leg kick by Fenton. Inside leg kick by Fenton. Harrison shoots in and they clinch on the cage. Takedown by Harrison who gets mount and then gets his back. Harrison looks for a rear naked but Fenton is able to roll into Harrison's guard. They stand and Fenton tries for a takedown but the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Harrison

RD 2: Leg kick by Fenton. Hook by Harrison. Takedown by Harrison. Fenton tries for an armbar but can't get it. Harrison is in Fenton's guard. Harrison lands a punch. Fenton rolls and gets his back. Fenton flattens him and looks for a rear naked. Fenton lands head shots. Harrison working hard to stand but Fenton gets mount and then his back again. Head shots by Fenton.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Fenton

RD 3: Kick to the body by Fenton. Hard hook by Harrison. Leg kick by Fenton. Harrison lands a jab and then another. Hard leg kick by Fenton followed up with a hard hook. Leg kick by Fenton and then another. Nice hook lands for Fenton. Harrison land a hook. They trade leg kicks and then trade hooks. Jab and a hook by Harrison. Leg kick by Harrison. Uppercut by Fenton. Fenton looks tired. They clinch on the cage and Fenton gets a takedown.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Fenton
My score card: 29-28 Fenton

Result: Kevin Harrison by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28)

3. Amateur Bantamweight
Ralph Pastories (0-1 Independent) vs Seth Shaffer (1-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Kick to the body by Pastories. Jab by Shaffer. Leg kick by Shaffer. They clinch and Pastories lands knees. They separate and Shaffer lands five straight punches. They clinch and Shaffer lands knees, but one goes low stopping the action. They resume and Shaffer lands a leg kick. Pastories lands a leg kick. Nice hook by Shaffer. Leg kick by Shaffer. Hook by Shaffer. They clinch and Pastories lands a knee and an uppercut. They move to the cage and Shaffer lands nice body shots. Shaffer lands a knee to the body. Shaffer lands punches and Pastories turns away and the ref stops it.

Result: Seth Shaffer by TKO at 2:13 of Round 1

4. Amateur Heavyweight
Justin Spikes (0-0 Triple Threat MMA) vs Paul Zimmerman (0-0 Independent)

RD 1: Leg kick by Zimmerman. Spikes drops him with a hook and gets on top in mount. Spikes gets his back and lands shots till the ref stops it.

Result: Justin Spikes by TKO at :50 of Round 1

5. Amateur 175LBS
Ron Richards (0-0 Independent) vs Larry Merriweather (0-1 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Lg kick by Richards. Push kick by Merriweather. Hook by Richards followed by a leg kick. Merriweather lands a leg kick. Merriweather lands a jab and then they trade hard shots. Both land leg kicks. Three more leg kicks by Merriweather. Richards drops him with a hook but the round ends before he can follow up.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Richards

RD 2: Leg kick by Merriweather. Hook by Richards. They clinch and Richards looks for a guillotine. Knee to the body my Richards. Richards drags him down still holding the guillotine and Merriweather taps.

Result: Ron Richards by Tapout (Guillotine) at 1:22 of Round 2

6. Amateur 145LBS
Jessica Gold (0-0 B&G Gym/Hahns Martial Arts) vs Trisha Gerus )9-2 Lion-Do)

RD 1: Gold comes out landing punches. Gold clinches and lands punches from the clinch. They separate and Gold lands a hook. More hard punches by Gold. Jab by Gerus. Hook by Gerus. Two crosses by Gold. Jab and a hook by Gold. Jab by Gerus. Two more jabs from Gerus.Gold charges in landing punches. They clinch on the cage and the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Gold

RD 2: Hook by Gold Superman punch by Gold. Gerus lands a jab. A hook lands for Gold. Gold is bleeding pretty bad from the nose. Jab by Gerus. Kick to the body by Gold. Jab by Gerus. Gold lands a nice kick to the body. Gerus lands a jab and Gold lands a few punches. They clinch on the cage and Gold gets a takedown and gets mount. Gerus holds her close. Gold lands some punches. Gold goes for an arm but the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Gold

RD 3: Several punches by Gold.They clinch against the cage. Action stops as Gold's corner actually left an ice pack under the back of her shirt and it leaked water all over the cage. They resume and Gold lands a kick to the body. Gold lands a jab. Gerus lands a jab and then another. Hook by Gold. They trade jabs. Two more nice jabs by Gerus. They trade hard shots. Three more jabs by Gerus.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Gerus
My score card: 29-28 Gold

Result: Jessica Gold by Unanimous Decision (29-28/30-27/30-27)

7. Amateur Light Heavyweight
Gary Rice (0-0 Burkey Jiu-Jitsu) vs Damian Reighard (0-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Hook by Rice. They clinch on the cage and Reighard looks for a takedown. He gets the takedown but Rice is looking for a guillotine and gets on top. They quickly stand. Reighard hurts him with a hook and they clinch against the cage. Knee to the leg by Reighard. Another knee lands for Reighard. Reighard looks for a guillotine and then lands hard shots that has Rice hurt. Rice lands a kick low stopping action. They resume and Reighard drops him with a hook and gets on top but the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Reighard

RD 2: They trade leg kicks. Reighard hurts him with a hook and then gets a guillotine for the tap.

Result: Damian Reighard by Tapout (Guillotine) at :20 of Round 2

8. Amateur Bantamweight
Roger Blankenship (5-7 Team Black Dragon/Warlords Gym) vs William Freedson (2-3 Vanyo Fight Team)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Blankenship and he gets mount. Nice job by Freedson to stand back up. They clinch and Freedson hooks a guillotine for the tap.

Result: William Freedson by Tapout (Guillotine) at 1:31 of Round 1

9. Amateur Welterweight
Devontai Moore (2-2 Team Black Dragon/Warlords Gym) vs Niles Hootman (3-0 All Out Assault Fight Team)

RD 1: Leg kick by Moore. Moore hurts him with punches and takes him down. Hootman reverses and gets on top in mount. Nice sweep by Moore to get back on top in guard. Now Hootman sweeps and gets on top in guard. Body shots by Hootman. More does good at avoiding damages. The ref stands them. Leg kick by Hootman. Hook by Moore. Moore lands a leg kick. Moore drops him with a leg kick and lets him stand back up. Leg kick by Hootman.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Moore

RD 2: Hook by Hootman. They trade body shots. Leg kick by Hootman and then another. Nice leg kick by Moore. Hootman knocks him down with a hook and gets into side control but Moore pushes him off. Hootman kicks the legs of a downed Moore. The ref stands Moore up. Moore drops him with a hook and gets on top. Sweep by Hootman to get on top as the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Hootman

RD 3: Moore gets a takedown. Moore is trying to get mount but can't. Moore is in guard and Hootman tries for a triangle. Body shots by Moore. Hootman gets on top and lands punches. Moore escapes but Hootman is now looking for a guillotine. Hootman lands body shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Hootman
My score card: 29-28 Hootman

Result: Niles Hootman by Split Decision 29-28/28-29/30-27)

10. Amateur 150LBS
Brandon Odom (3-5 All Out Assault Fight Team) vs Dave Graf (3-4 Brick House MMA)

RD 1: They trade jabs. Leg kick by Graf. Jab by Graf and then a leg kick. They trade jabs. Leg kick by Graf. Hook by Odom. Leg kick by Odom. Leg kick by Graf. Hook by Graf. Hook by Odom. Odom shoots and gets a takedown but they are up quick. Hook by Graf. Leg kick by Graf and then another.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Graf

RD 2: They trade jabs. Hook by Graf and then another. Nice jab by Graf. Graf lands a hook. Odom lands a jab. Leg kick by Graf. Jab by Graf. Push kick by Graf. Odom drops him with a hook but doesn't follow up. Graf lands a jab.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Graf

RD 3: Push kick by Graf. Graf lands a hook. Leg kick by Graf and then another. Jab by Odom. They trade jabs. Graf lands a leg kick. Hard body kick by Graf. They trade jabs as the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Graf
My score card: 30-27 Graf

Result: Dave Graf by Split Decision (30-27/28-29/29-28)

11. Amateur Welterweight
Jarred Zarlingo (5-2 Wrecking Crew) vs Alex Brown (4-3 Team Black Dragon/Warlords Gym)

RD 1: They clinch in the center of the cage and drop down with Zarlingo on top. They quickly stand. Leg kick by Brown. Zarlingo drops him with a hook and gets on top. Zarlingo gets mount. Brown is avoiding damage. Punch by Zarlingo. The ref stands them. Jab by Zarlingo. Leg kick by Brown. They clinch and drop down with Zarlingo on top in guard. Zarlingo stands and drops down punches. They stand and Zarlingo takes him back down. Zarlingo lands a punch low and the ref takes a point as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 9-9 Even

RD 2: They trade jabs. Takedown by Zarlingo. Zarlingo gets a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Jarred Zarlingo by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:11 of Round 2

12. Amateur Lightweight
Nick Browne (2-0 Uniontown Fight Club) vs Josh Kallai (3-1 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: They trade leg kicks. Hard hook by Kallai. They trade hard shots. They clinch on the cage but quickly separate. Browne lands hard shots. They clinch on the cage and Kallai lands knees. Head shot by Kallai. More punches from Kallai. Knee by Kallai. Kallai tries for a takedown and Browne lands punches. The ref separates them. The clinch in the center with Kallai looking for a guillotine. Browne slams him but Kallai keeps the choke on.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Kallai

RD 2: Superman punch by Browne. Hook by Kallai. Jab by Kallai. Hook by Browne and then a leg kick and jab. Leg kick by Kallai. Cross by Browne. Hook by Browne. Jab and a hook by Browne. Browne lands another hook and then a jab. Kallai lands a cross. They trade hard shots. Browne lands a hook and then another. Browne lands a kick low stopping action. They resume and Kallai shoots for a takedown and they clinch on the cage. They separate and trade hard shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Browne

RD 3: Jab by Kallai. Hard shots by Browne. They clinch in the center and quickly separate. They trade shots. Hook by Browne. Uppercut by Browne. Jab by Kallai. Uppercut by Browne. Kick to the body by Kallai. Jab by Kallai. Kallai shoots in and gets the takedown. Kallai lands body shots.
I score RD 3: 10-9 Browne
My score card; 29-28 Browne

Result: Nick Browne by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28)

Submission of the Night: Damian Reighard

Knock-Out of the Night: Justin Spikes

Fight of the Night: Nick Browne vs Josh Kallai

Genie Sammons Interview

At the 2010 Team Universe, while I said at the time I thought Genie Sammons looked great, she herself didn't seem happy. Little did she know at the time, she was suffering from a kidney problem, which most likely played some part in her physique not being what she wanted. After surgery, Genie eased back into training, not knowing if she was going to compete again. Well Genie made her return weeks ago at the NPC Ohio Natural, and not only did she compete, she won. Truly an amazing job by an inspiring woman.

Q: Can you start out by talking about what led you to the gym?
A: I started lifting with my husband when we were in college. He worked out regularly so I just went with him. That's how I started. I got into competing because people at the gym were asking if I was competing. I didn't even know what it was. That's how I got interested in it.

Q: So it was people asking if you competed that got you interested in it?
A: Yes!

Q: Why Figure?
A: I like the other divisions but my body is more figure type than bikini or anything else.

Q: You did Team Universe in 2010 and started having medical issues. We talked and you weren't happy with how you did, did the medical issues play a part in that?
A: Yeah, I don't know that I would have placed or anything tough. My right kidney wasn't draining at all. I think it had an impact on how I came in.

Q: So what exactly was the problem?
A: Yeah, the tube that goes from your kidney was blocked. I have had it all my life, I just didn't know it. It got backed up so much that my kidney literally was the size of a football. It was so damaged they had to remove it.

Q: How long after that did it take to get back in the gym?
A: A long time. I was allowed to work out eight weeks after that. But it was hard to get back because all my core strength was gone. I still have issues with that but I have learned to work around it. It took a good six months before I could go hard.

Q: Comparing now to before this, have you had to change how you train?
A: No, not really.

Q: When you started training again, did you think you could compete again?
A: I honestly wasn't sure.

Q: Was competing a goal you set or was it more if it happens it happens?
A: It was more like if it happens it happens. One of my friends from the gym was talking about doing a show together. We picked the natural Ohio out by you. We were gonna go cause Jay Cutler was guest posing, but he talked me into doing it. It was January 1st and he said "let's just do it", and I said "o.k.".

Q: Was there another reason you picked that show or was it really just the show you were going to?
A: We picked it just cause we were gonna go watch Jay Cutler, and he said "let's just do the show". Its kinda close, I mean, no show is close to me, so anything within five hours driving distance is close to me haha.

Q: Did you think you actually had a chance at winning?
A: No, no, I was just doing it with my friend. No lofty goals haha.

Q: Could not having the big goals kind of make it easier for you and your mindset?
A: I don't know. I've never really gone into a show thinking "win win win". My brain doesn't work that way. So it really didn't make that much of a distance this time around.

Q: At what point did you feel winning was possible?
A: When they tested the top three, and then I thought I had second haha.

Q: Coming back and winning, where does this show rank in your list of accomplishments in the sport?
A: Its probably the best so far. I wasn't sure it was possible and it was a huge show with almost three hundred competitors.

Q: With so many competitors, does it make it harder, standing around all day and stuff?
A: Its awful. It was really hot backstage, I was sweating, my tan was running, I was turning green. For the night show I found an empty hallway and layed down, so it was better.

Q: Outside of the trophy, is there one thing years from now you will look back at and remember?
A: I was two feet away from Phil Heath waiting for call-outs. I was too shy to say hi. it was exciting to be so close.

Q: Are there any shows you are looking at?
A: Pittsburgh in two weeks and then probably Jr. Nationals.

Q: Is a pro card a long range goal or is it if it happens it happens?
A: If it happens it would be awesome, but this may be my last year competing. I wanted to give it one more shot.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: Sure, I couldn't have done it without P.J. Braun. He has been amazing. I couldn't ask for a better trainer.