Even though, I would guess, half the crowd couldn’t determine Chuck Liddell from Randy Couture in a lineup, or even name why they were pertinent to the sport, their interest in MMA, thanks to events like these, is growing and future MMA stars are slowly, but surely being produced.
A big shout out to the local promoters Greg Siem (pinnaclefightergear.com), Jim Davis (4th Street Boxing Gym) and Mickey Clark (Mickey’s Irish Saloon) for setting the bouts to K-1 MMA rules and actually following them — a must that is unfortunately not always seen in farm shows. Other sponsors of the night included Bodies By Shelly, Anytime Fitness and Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu (Roberto also dubbed as the night’s head judge).
The event was packed, and the crowd buzzed with eager fans and tough guys ready to check out future competition. The promotion definitely had the formula for bigger and better things to come, with pre-fight entertainment and actual organization: a DJ, parking attendants, sumo-wrestling contests for fans, food/beverage and clothing vendors and even Scottish bagpipes, not to mention “real” security (actual police officers).
With plans for future shows in the works, I am anxious to see what these guys come up with next.
Quick Results:
Dan Goodson def. Keith Jeter submission (rear-naked choke) R1
“Sergeant” Steve Fredericks def. Justin Weaver TKO R1
Jeremy Elisius def. Jerrod vandal submission (strikes) R1
Ryan Skelly def. James Beach TKO R1
Jason Trudeau def. Scott Schroeder TKO R1
Dan Mauseth def. Jesse DeRouin submission (guillotine) R1
Jeremy Elisius def. Dan Mauseth decision 3R
“Sergeant” Steve Fredericks def. Aaron Weets TKO R2
Tom Speer def. Aaron Weets TKO R2
Jed Deno def. Mike Smith submission (strikes) R1
Noteworthy:
Jeremy “The Lish” Elisius defeated fellow welterweight and amateur newcomer Jerrod Vandal the first round via rear-naked choke. Elisius, with an amateur record of 2-0 coming into this event, was definitely one of the more technical fighters of the night; a fighter in my opinion, who promises great MMA potential if he stays focused.
After the defeat of local favorite Jesse DeRouin (another up-and-comer to keep your eyes on) by underdog Dan Mauseth (via guillotine in R1), the crowd was in an uproar and Elisius challenged Mauseth. Not about to step down, Mauseth accepted the back-to-back fight, and promoters gave the green flag. In a back-and-forth battle, I awarded round one to Mauseth and round two to Elisius, the third named Elisius the victor via decision.
Dishonorable Mention:
Local favorite Jed Deno defeated newcomer Mike Smith in round via submission (strikes). A decent fight, but after the ref called it, Deno mule kicked Smith as he walked away. And this is what I’m talking about …