AFO NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS REVIEW

AFO MMA: NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS REVIEW
From: Old School

“GREAT FIGHTS NEED NO HYPE”

Once again, the event center at the Mansfield Holiday Inn was sold out by 7:30, as Promo Pete Dilorenzo and the crew at the AFO hosted the Night of Champions MMA event on Friday, April 22. Did I mention sold out?! This place was just jamming before the first fight even got under way! The fans were jammed in so tight, that a big guy on the east end of the event center brought in three cheeseburgers and two cokes and a skinny guy 500 feet away on the west end was forced out the door…and he couldn’t fit back in until two average sized ladies near the south exit went to the bathroom. I’ve said it to Pete before and I’ll say it again (although I think it was best said by Noah’s wife when the elephant had the baby), if this keeps up, we’re gonna need a bigger boat! I want to throw a special thanks to Promo Pete for the exceptional accommodations he made for me cage side…
Right now, in the belly of the Great Recession, the consumer wants value for his dollar, weather it’s in entertainment or in food on the table for the kids. I am seeing that a few of our regional promotions understand this concept, and the AFO is right there at the top of the heap!

The seven amateur fights (3×3 minute rounds) were all for recently created AFO Ammy Titles. There were two Pro AFO Titles (5×5 minute rounds) on the line as well
The fight card featured ten matches which, from a fan as well as media perspective, is the ideal number. But it was the quality of fights that was the story of the night. Of the twenty fighters on the card, only four came to the table with losing records, one of whom was Lionel Young, who would go on to win the Pro145 lb. belt! The Night got off to a great start, as the 125 pounders put on a three round FOTN extravaganza!!!

FIGHT #1:
125 lb. Amateur Flyweight Title Fight
Jared “The Badger” Sarno 2-0 (SSSF)
Shane DeCristoforo 1-0 (Team United Muay Lao)
Shane enters to the roar of the huge fan base that he brought with him. Jared came to the DeCristoforo reunion party to piss in the punch bowl!

Round 1: Shane scores a double leg take down to top of guard. Jared pulls an arm bar and Shane says not at my party and he lifts and slams out of it to top of side control. Jared works a sweep to top of mount and scores with some small G&P. Eventually, Shane rolls out and The Badger grabs him with rear control. Shane works to top of guard and it’s Jared “The Badger” again with a triangle attempt from the bottom. Shane scores a little G&P to end a great first round!
Old School score: Jared “The Badger” Sarno 10-9

Round 2: Shane shoots a double leg that The Badger isn’t having. They clinch to the cage and it’s Sarno with the take down to top control in the guard. The Badger is working well with movement and striking and he works to mount, then rear control. Shane sweeps to top of guard and the party is on, “SHANE”,”SHANE”,”SHANE”!!! Jared hooks a leg and sweeps to top rear with two hooks in and is working RNC as the round ends and the punch bowl is looking kinda murky!
Old School score: Jared “The Badger” Sarno 10-9

Round 3: Jared clinches to the cage as Shane defends well. Jared works for a single leg and Shane defends that too. A scramble across the cage followed by a long ground clinch is finally won by Shane, and the home town guy gets to the top side control and eventually to mount. Shane works to rear control and is attempting RNC ending the round and the fight, sending it to the judges. This could be FOTN!
Old School score: Shane DeCristoforo 10-9

Official Score: Winner by Unanimous Decision (29x28x3) Jared “The Badger” Sarno
This is FOTN materiel, a great battle of two rising stars in the weight class. This is a nice win for the Badger, the new AFO Flyweight Champ! The crowd is jamming and this place is rocking and I’m having a great time!

FIGHT #2:
135 lb. Amateur Bantamweight Title Fight
Rico Disciullo 4-0 (Sityodtong)
Kin “Kong” Moy 4-0 (Red Line)
This match up of undefeated warriors features two of the best in the division, Ammy or Pro! My main man Mark Hoxie says that nobody, that’s NOBODY, at 135 lbs. hits as hard as Rico! Moy is best remembered for his head kick/KO of the year performance just a short time ago! The UFC brass and The Candlestick Maker Reep are watching this one with a very special eye (no pun intended, Reep!).
Hey all you folks at home, don’t blink!

Round 1: The boys meet in the cage center and proceed to trade some leg kicks. Rico is also scoring with some nice hand combos, and everything this guy throws is loaded. Moy continues the leg kick attack, but Rico is countering with tremendous punch combinations. Moy is really showing that he can take a punch, but I don’t know for how long. Rico is really starting to connect when the night ends for Kin “Kong” Moy… “CRACK”!!! Rico catches Moy with a solid right and Moy drops hard. Rico moves in for some G&P, but the ref says not on my watch, and the night is over for Moy and the party is just beginning for our new 135 lb. champ! Dynamite really does come in small packages!

Winner by TKO @ 2:21 Rd 1: Rico “Dynamite” Disciullo
This fight was a freaking barnburner from the start. I just could not imagine this pace could go on for much longer. Note to 135ers: Don’t even THINK about standing with Rico Disciullo!

FIGHT #3:
145 lb. Amateur Featherweight Title Fight
Rob Font 1-1 (Sityodtong)
Andre Soukhamthath 3-0 (Team United Muay Lao)
The energy in the air here is electric…This isn’t so much a fight night as it is an experience!
Andre enters to R Kelly’s “The World’s Greatest”, truly an awesome song for any occasion, thus placing himself in the running for “Entrance Song of the Night”! Really nice touch, Andre…

Round 1: The boys trade some leg kicks into a clinch, and it’s Andre winning a take down to top of guard against the cage. Andre gets some separation for some strikes, but Font pulls him back in. A ground scramble ensues and after some time, font finds himself on top in half guard, but the round ends with about a minute of inactivity with Font in top of half guard.
Old School score: Real close Andre Soukhamthath 10-9

Round 2: They meet in cage center and swap leg kicks…Rob drives one deep with the shin and Andre wobbles! Font clinches and nails a takedown to top control. Andre stands it up and gets taken right back down. Font is now on top in guard in his own corner and Mark Dellegrotte is holding a seminar on Ground & Pound 101, and Rob is following very well! He is grinding the head into Andre’s chin and pounding the body with shots right through the end of the round!
Old School score: Rob Font 10-9
Dellegrotte is giving Rob very detailed but simple instructions in the corner between rounds; “strike hard, take him down, and keep him on his back!”!

Round 3: The two meet cage center and swing wildly, all misses. Rob strikes his way into a clinch and nails another take down right back in his own corner and the G&P seminar continues. Andre is working hard from the bottom, but Font won’t have any of it. Font works for RNC with both hooks in. He then keeps rear control, but rolls to side and his own back, keeping the hooks in and the G&P active. Font is working hard to keep superior position, occasionally attempting the RNC. Font moves to full mount at the bell, ending yet another freaking great fight!
Old School score: Rob Font 10-9

Official score: Winner by Unanimous Decision (29x28x3): Rob Font
Congratulations to Rob, the new AFO Featherweight Champ and Kudos to the Sityodtong corner, one of the best in the business! The energy in this place is electric; it is absolutely packed! To hell with the good old days, THESE are the good old days and we’re having a blast!!!

FIGHT #4:
155 lb. Amateur Lightweight Title Fight
Thane Stimpson 4-0 (House of Rolling Thunder)
Nate Andrews 4-1 (Rockstar/Team United Muay Lao)
Nate Andrews seems to have about 250 of his most intimate and closest friends on hand for the fight tonight.

Round 1: Thane is much smaller than Nate, but it’s Thane with a flurry into a clinch. He grabs a tight body lock and works for a giant slam, landing in top of guard. Stimpson works to side control and then to mount. He opens up a huge can of whoop-ass and Nate rolls to cover. Thane locks in RNC with two hooks and he works it in tight for a long period of time… finally he gets the tap, keeping his unblemished record in tact and adding the AFO 155 lb. Amateur Title to his trophy room.

Winner by Tap Out to RNC @ 2:09 Rd 1: Thane Stimpson

FIGHT #5:
170 lb. Amateur Welterweight Title Fight
Jeff Bermani 2-0 (Sityodtong)
Ricardo Georges 6-1 (Team Pradel-Serey)

Round 1: Jeff starts with a big flurry and Ricardo clinches up. Jeff locks in a standing guillotine and he cranks it around, but it won’t go. Jeff lands some more punches and knees in the clinch. Ricardo gets a take down, but Bermani sweeps and they’re back on the feet! Ricardo nails another take down and this time he lands in top of guard and adds some G&P to end the round and make the ringside judges earn their money!
Old School score: Real close Jeff Bermani 10-9

Round 2: The Bremani/Sityodtong corner must be thinking threepeat (and if they’re not, I am) as the two fighters come to the cage center. The fighters both jab and Ricardo cracks Jeff with an overhand right and drops him right there! Ricardo moves in for some G&P but the ref won’t let it happen. Bermani complains and I sort of agree that it was an early stoppage. I know they are Ammies, but this is for the belt.

Winner by TKO @ 0:06 Rd 2: Ricardo Georges
Ricardo is our new AFO Amateur Welterweight Champ as he spoils the Sityodtong threepeat!!!

INTERMISSION:
The next event of the evening is the 15 minute intermission that is always a half an hour long!

FIGHT #6:
185 Amateur Middleweight Title Fight
John Duclaw 2-2 (Iron Will Training Center)
Joe Cloutier 3-2 (Doomsday)
I was told that Duclaw dropped 25 pounds in the 24 hours before the weigh-ins. Cloutier enters to the roar of a huge fan base and the music of White Snake, “Here I go Again”.

Round 1: Cloutier punches 1-2 into a clinch, grabs a single leg take down to top of mount. He makes some room and lands some real solid G&P punches to the face and head. This G&P is huge! He continues the G&P and it’s close to being stopped, as Duclaw is eating lots of clean shots. Duclaw finally rolls out and Cloutier locks in a guillotine and switches to guard and locks it in tight for the tap and the Middleweight championship. Joe has become the Real Deal!!!

Winner by Tap Out to Guillotine Choke @ 2:00ish Rd 1: Joe “Real Deal” Cloutier
Congratulations to out new Ammy Middle Weight Champ Joe Cloutier. Joe started his career with two losses, but he never walked away. He has since run off four straight wins to a title! This kid IS the Real Deal! Joe, I just love what you’ve done to your game.

FIGHT #7:
Amateur Heavyweight Title Fight
Javier Velasquez 1-0 (Connor’s MMA)
Mario Gonzales 2-0 (Team United Muay Lao)

Round 1: Mario clinches quickly and Javier lands some nice body shots and they separate. Javier lands a body kick and Mario clinches again. It’s Javier again with the combo, winning the exchange. Javier connects with a nice 1-2, Mario clinches, and Javier gets the take down and sprinkles on some G&P. Back standing, Javier connects 1-2-1-2 and poor Mario is now covered in his own blood!!! Javier drops him with another flurry as the round ends!
Old School score: Javier Velasquez 10-9

Round 2: The crowd chants “MARIO“,”MARIO”,”MARIO” and Javier lands 1-2-6 (uppercut). Javier is adding leg kicks to the assault and Mario clinches again. Javier nails a take down and drops some serious G&P and invites Mario to stand back up. There is blood everywhere!!! Javier kicks and moves, kicks and moves and the bloodfest continues! Javier clinches and unloads a big flurry to end a very bloody round!
The press table is sprinkled with blood; it’s everywhere. Thanks for the cage side seat Pete!
Old School score: Javier Velasquez 10-9

Round 3: The crowd chants “MARIO”,”MARIO”,”MARIO” to start the final round. Javier is controlling the distance with kicks and movement. Mario clinches, but Javier throws knees and body shots. The clinch continues and Javier continues to dominate with knees to the body and punches in the clinch. Mario’s face is a wicked mess! “JAVIER”,”JAVIER”,”JAVIER”. It’s all Javier this fight. The final round ends with a big flurry from two big guys!
Old School score: Javier Velasquez 10-8

Official score: Winner by Unanimous Decision (30x27x3): Javier Velasquez
This was as dominant a performance as you see and congratulations are in order for our new AFO Amateur Heavyweight Champ Javier, who, I was later told, broke his hand in the second round! The man is a warrior. The DNA removal crew is hard at work in the cage and I’m doing a little DNA clean up of my own! The crowd is LOUD and the joint is jumping! This event is crazy!

FIGHT #8:
145 lb. Pro Featherweight Title Fight
Lionel Young 4-5 (Team Maxx)
Ruben Rey 3-1 (Team Rockstar)
Ruben enters to the sound of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”. He may have just stolen the “Entrance Song of the Night”…We’ll see.
Lionel may have five losses, but one of them was to undefeated Abe Pitrowski at 180 lb. and two were losses to ranked Welterweights Brett Oteri and Chip Pollard at 170 lb. In the locker room before the fight he was so relaxed and 1970’s cool that I had to wear my sweat shirt just to hang with him! Lionel did miss weight by two pounds, but the powers that be said the title fight was on, so on to it…

Round 1: Our boys tap gloves to start this Pro bout. After a few missed strikes, they clinch it up and trade some knees. Lionel lifts Ruben for a HUGE freaking slam (and there’s no question on a night of big slams as to where “Slam of the Night Honors” is going). I think Ruben Rey is out cold, as his head bounced when he landed, but the ref doesn’t think so, so Lionel puts a RNC lock and there is no movement from Ruben Rey. Lionel is locked tighter than a pit bull on a pussy cat and Rey isn’t moving at all, seriously. After a loooong 30 seconds the ref stops the mayhem before the cops come in the cage and arrest somebody! Ruben is out cold and Lionel Young is the new AFO PRO Featherweight Champ!!!

Winner by Assault and Battery (Technical Submission) @ 1:00 Rd 1: Lionel Young
Ruben Rey is revived and walks out on his own. I really think Lionel has found his true weight class. He will probably not miss weight again now that he knows the formula. Awesome job, Lionel; Scary but awesome!

FIGHT #9:
Pro Catchweight Fight
Glen Reeves 201 lb., 0-3 (Iron Will Training Center)
Shawn Baker 188 lb., 0-2 (CCFA)
This fight had my attention. Every time I went to the AFO and NorthEastMMA web sites over the last week, Shawn Baker’s opponent was changed. In fact, the CCFA boys said three or four opponents backed out over the last two weeks, the last one being on Monday before the fight. Reeves took this fight on a few days notice, thus the weight discrepancy. One hour before fight time tonight, the MASS Commission scratched Glen Reeves from the card due to an issue with the NH Commission. Twenty minutes later, the fight was ruled OK and it was back on! I recommended that we have this fight first, out in the hall way, just in case something else comes up in the mean time…..
Shawn Baker entered the cage wearing a full Native American (in the 70’s, we called it Indian) head dress of feathers…Pissah!

Round 1: The fighters clinch and it is very obvious that Reeves is the larger fighter. He nails a slick take down into top side control. Shawn defends well and sweeps to top and eventually to rear control. He locks in two hooks and a RNC, extends, and gets the tap out, slick as a spring striper!

Winner by Tap Out to RNC @ 0:45 Rd 1: Shawn “The Big Chief” Baker
Shawn thanks Jesus Christ and the CCFA boys and a few others. Way to represent, Shawn!

FIGHT #10:
155 lb. Pro Lightweight Title Fight
Dyrell Walker 5-7 (Rhodes Kajukenbo/The pit M.A.)
Luis “Rockstar” Felix 6-6 (Team Rockstar)
Each of these fighters has some losses to really top shelf fighters, so don’t be fooled by the records.
The last time The Rockstar fought in this building, he was nearly booed out of the place. He was fighting in front of an AFO crowd that was supporting its local hero, the undefeated and Lauzon trained Joe Proctor! Well, the Rockstar hung a good old fashioned New England beating on Joey Proctor on that Thanksgiving Eve! Really, this venue, this promotion, and this basic fan base Booed him unmercifully last Thanksgiving Eve! But on the eve of Easter weekend, that’s Good Friday my friends, they welcomed him home as their favorite son!!! Isn’t this a great game?

Round 1: The fighters are very patiently circling. They trade a few leg kicks. The Rockstar nails a double leg to top side control and works to mount! He treats the challenger from NY to some good old New England G&P. Walker rolls out to stand, but the Rockstar puts him back down on the floor and goes to mount. Felix locks in an arm triangle from top mount but Walker fights it off. On the feet, the clinch continues and Felix has Walker in a standing guillotine and he presses it to the cage. It won’t work, so Rockstar throws a knee to the body and separates. In the cage center, the Rockstar is real relaxed. Walker is a game opponent and doesn’t seem too bothered either. Felix lands some body shots to end the first round!
Old School score: The Rockstar 10-9

Round 2: Walker scores with some leg kicks and punches. Felix clinches and grabs from his bag of tricks a big slam and works to rear control. Felix the Rockstar has two hooks in and he alternates from RNC to G&P from this position. He also stays in rear control from top, side, and back, as he continues with constant movement throughout the round, switching from sub attempt to G&P. The round ends with the Rockstar on top in rear control hammering away with nasty elbows and punches to the head and face!
Old School score The Rockstar 10-8

Round 3: There is no round three, as the fight doctor calls a halt to the action due to the facial injuries and one eye being swollen shut!

Winner by TKO @ 5:00 Rd 2: Luis “The Rockstar” Felix
Felix retains his AFO Lightweight Title, defending it for the first time and the new Local Hero receives a huge ovation from the crowd! What a great sport!
Felix was so sick for so long afterward in the locker room that I could not even get a word with him. This guy fought his heart out.

With the night’s work complete and a not too long drive ahead of me, I hooked up with the little squirrel under the hood, the man who makes it all happen, Promo Pete Dilorenzo. Peter was thrilled with the whole evening. This month (April) in New England there were around ten MMA shows. In a time when promoters (and other businesses alike) are struggling, Pete keeps putting out a quality product and the MMA world keeps beating a path to his door! Great job by the entire staff at the AFO!

Here’s how the fights stacked up:

AWARDS:
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Jared Sarno and Shane Decristoforo
KO OF THE NIGHT: Rico Disciullo
SUBMISSION OF THE NIGHT: Lionel Young
SLAM OF THE NIGHT: Definitely Lionel Young
BEST ENTRANCE: Andre Soukhamthath
BEST CORNER: Sityodtong/Rob Font
Award winners can pick up your bonus checks at the next AFO event!

My work here is done, fight fans. I write ‘em like I see ‘em and if I don’t see ‘em I make ‘em up!!! Remember to drive carefully through life, as objects in the mirror are often closer than they appear…

Old School


The American Fight Organization’s “Last Man Standing” was held here at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA on Friday, March 4th! Although they experienced technical difficulties while playing musical chairs with the main event, Promo Pete and Matchman Mark put it all together for an  eventful night of MMA. The night featured eight amateur fights (with three five minute rounds each) and four pro fights (with five five minute rounds each). Despite the lack of a true “Headliner” type fight, there seemed to be a fairly full house for the event.
Throughout the night, we were reminded of the April AFO “Night of Champions” event that is just around the bend. This event looks to be one of the best yet. We were also constantly made aware of another upcoming event called “Brawling for Boobies”, which is an event to support breast cancer or breast awareness or something. I couldn’t really tell, because every time they mentioned Brawling for Boobies I seemed to become distracted. Now I don’t think we really need a breast awareness thing, because I, for one, am fully aware of breasts (You’ve seen one you’ve seen them both)! I do, however, believe in Brawling for Boobies; I believe in brawling, and there is no greater reason than boobies! In fact I believe that boobies have been at the root of many brawls, fights, and even wars, but that’s a topic for a different forum…You see, I just got distracted again.
So with all circuits running and switches checked, the lights are on to stay and we are all ready to get on with the fights:

FIGHT # 1:
150 lb amateurs
Shane Stephenson 0-1 (Wareham) vs
Rob Font 0-1 (Sityodtong)

The fight starts with each warrior circling cautiously, occasionally trading leg kicks. Rob misses a kick and falls down and Shane dives into top of guard. Rob pulls a triangle from the bottom and he works it for a loooong time, but he can’t seem to lock it in just right. He switches to an arm bar and gets the tap out!!
Winner by Submission (Arm Bar) @ 2:48 rd 1: Rob Font

FIGHT # 2:
125 lb amateurs
Mike DeLosReyes 0-1 (Dexter) vs
Shane DeCritoforo 0-0 (Team United Muay Lao)

The first round saw some stand up sparring until Shane took it to the mat and dug in a rear naked choke; He had two hooks in and worked it for a long time, but couldn’t get it. The round ended with the fighters back on their feet and Shane landing punches in the clinch.
Round two starts with Mike throwing a nice shin kick, but Shane blocks it with his cup! OUCH! Shane is down and in serious pain and/or discomfort. He takes the full time to recover…Back in the cage center, mike scores with a few jabs. Shane takes it to the floor and secures the second round with some nice G&P.
The boys are trading in the cage center to start the final round when Shane nails a takedown. He fights through a triangle attempt and starts the G&P. Mike is active on the bottom, but Shane is just as busy on the top with G&P. Shane is in a standing guard, dropping punches, when he throws a flying Superman punch to end the round!
Winner by Unanimous Decision: Shane De Critoforo

FIGHT # 3
155 lb amateurs
Danny Alexis 1-0 (Red Line) vs
Jamie Courtney1-2 (Sityodtong)

Danny dominated the first round with a plethora of kicks: leg kicks, body and head kicks, side kicks and front kicks, even some old school hook kicks. Jamie did come alive at the end of the round with a flurry of punches but this was too little too late!
The second round was a continuation of the Danny Alexis Kick Clinic, but Jamie stuck a takedown and landed in Danny’s guillotine attempt. Back on the feet, Danny continued to control the fight with more nice kicks.
Danny started the third frame with more of the same, but Jamie has seen enough. He takes the fight to the mat and works a nice ground game. He got the mount and rear control, and basically owned the final round, but couldn’t quite finish it and the round came to an end!
Winner by Unanimous Decision: Danny Alexis

FIGHT # 4
Heavy Weight amateur
Kevin Remillard 0-0 (Big Paw) vs
Mario Gonzales 1-0 (Team United Muay Lao)

The big boys trade punches and into a clinch. Mario helps himself to a takedown, landing in side control. Mario lands some effective G&P until Kevin works it back up. Mario throws some knees and Kevin lands a big punch. Mario shoots and Kevin sprawls to end the first round!
Kevin starts the second round with some nice punches and Kicks. Mario misses a superman punch but nails a takedown into side control. There’s not much action, so eventually, Kevin rolls and Mario gets rear control. Mario works for a RNC, but Kevin sweeps to top and drops some bombs to end the round!
Kevin knows he’s down on the score cards, so he comes out throwing bombs. Kevin is looking to end this and he is connecting. Mario defends and throws some punches that back up Kevin. Now Kevin is totally gassed and, though still standing, turning and covering up. Mario keeps the pressure on until the ref halts the action.
Winner by TKO @ 1:11 rd 3: Mario Gonzales

The fight was stopped not because big Kevin was hurt, but he was simply too tired to fight on. The win puts Mario in line for the amateur HW title shot in April.

FIGHT # 5
135 lb Amateurs
Jesse Gutierez 1-0 (Connors) vs
Graeme Pru 3-2 (Boneyard)

Jesse starts the round with an enormous barrage of punches that backs Pru up along the cage. Assault and battery is legal in the cage! This guy is like a windmill in a tornado!!! Jesse continues to unload like a UPS worker at Christmas time! Pru is covering up well, but is still taking a beating. Pru seems to have weathered the storm, as Jesse clinches to take a breather. Still standing, Jesse then starts striking again and is called for an illegal knee. (In amateur rules, there are no knees to the head, even when standing) The knee in question seemed to be a body shot that caught Graeme a little bit in the head as he was bent over from trying to defend the shock and awe attack of Jesse Gutierez. The fight is declared a No Contest, as Graeme Pru does not wish to continue to model as human punching bag!
I felt bad for Jesse, because the knee was inadvertent. It also appeared that Graeme was a bit shell shocked from the barrage of punches, not so much from the knee. Jesse, we’ll see more of you in the future. Walk proud, like Jon Jones after the Matt Hamill debacle!!

FIGHT # 6
145 lb amateurs
Matt Doherty 0-1 (Connors) vs
Tom Evans 0-1 (Team United Muay Loa)
Tom enters to a speech by Rocky Balboa, followed by “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. Real Cool!

Tom Evans is the taller of the two and he is using that to his advantage in round one, landing lots of knees and range controlling kicks. Matt does land a few hand combinations in the first round, but otherwise, it was all Evans.
The second round was razor thin, with Evans landing some nice knees while Matt Doherty controlled the tempo with punch combinations, clinching, and dirty boxing. Matt seemed to be a bit busier in the second frame and did have one real big overhand right that wobbled Evans.
Round three sees Tom come out with the kicks and Matt landing flurries of punches and a big overhand right!! Matt lands some knees and keeps the pressure on as Tom seems to be tiring. Once again, Matt is staying the busier guy. Both guys finish the round with a flurry of punches to end the Fight of the Night, so far!
Winner by Split Decision: Matt Doherty

This was a well matched fight with both warriors showing good skills and great heart!!! Matt’s cardio seemed to be the difference in this match up. This was a great job from two of our favorites here at the AFO.

FIGHT # 7
155 lb amateurs
Vychaslav Phinney 1-2 (North Shore Martial Arts) vs
Anson Hatfield 0-1 (Knuckle Up)

The boys are circling and trading nice kicks (oops, one to the groin…no problem…tap gloves) when Vych clinches and nails a beautiful hip throw into side control. Anson pulls guard as Vych lands some strikes. Vych is showing nice ground control from the top. Vych is trying to find some space to open up and he finally does. Vych postures up and unloads on Anson for the stoppage!!!
Winner by TKO @ 2:54 rd 1: Vychaslav Phinney

FIGHT # 8
185 lb amateurs
Joe Cloutier 2-2 (Doomsday) vs
Tom Venticinque 2-0 (Team United Muay Lao)
Promoter Pete DiLorenzo has a hunch that this could be fight of the Night!

Round one saw Joe control his opponent on the ground after a clinch and a takedown. Joe dropped some G&P and generally dominated the first round, despite an arm bar attempt from the bottom by Tom.
In the second frame, it’s all Joe Cloutier as he nails a takedown to top of guard. He works to side and then to mount, all while staying busy and striking. From the mount, he opens up a big can of G&P whoopass to end the fight with a TKO!!!
Winner by TKO @ 2:21 rd 1: Joe Cloutier

Despite being the underdog in this match, Cloutier controlled his opponent wire to wire, earning a date in April to fight for the AFO Middle Weight Ammy belt. Great job, Joe!!!

FIGHT # 9
165 lb Pro
Joe Powers 0-1 (Doomsday) vs
Shawn Summey 0-0 (Dragon Lair)

Round 1: The fight starts very cautiously, although Shawn is landing leg kicks. The fight continues slowly and cautiously and Joe Powers grabs a kick and follows with an overhand right and into a takedown. Joe lands some G&P from the top of guard, but Shawn defends well and works it back to the feet. There is little activity on the feet when Shawn nails a hip throw to end the round!
Old School score: Shawn Summey 10-9

Round 2: Shawn is landing some kicks and punches, but this is a generally cautious fight. Summey is slowly winning this one with kicks, distance, and timing. Shawn lands an overhand right that floors Powers. He follows it to the mat and adds some nice G&P to end the fight with a TKO!!!
Winner by TKO @ 2:35 rd 2: Shawn Summey

Shawn really controlled the pace and distance of this fight. He seemed to be able to keep Powers a bit confused and off his game. Nice job by Shawn in his pro debut!

FIGHT # 10:
135 lb pro
Joe Finneran 0-2 (Tri-State MMA) vs
Theo Desjardin 1-2 (Team United Muay Lao)
Both fighters enter to real big cheering sections. Theo has recently found a new camp to train with and is eager to display some of his new found skills!

Round 1: Finneran shoots a double leg and Theo sprawls nicely and the fighters clinch up. Theo nails a takedown and begins to strike from the standing guard. Theo continues to strike with G&P from the guard, alternating to standing guard. He is really showcasing the new and improved Theo Desjardin!! Theo drops from guard and sits back for a leg lock but can’t get it done. Finneran gets mount and starts with his own G&P. After the continued striking, the ref has seen enough and stops the action!
Winner by TKO @ 3:15 rd 1: Joe Finneran

This was shaping up to be a real nice fight; Theo looked to be a different fighter, showing good poise and newly developed skills. There is one big drawback to the leg lock theory of Bjj and it is that you often risk giving up position to gain submission. That was the story of this fight.

FIGHT # 11:
170 lb pro
Luis Torres 0-2 (Team Pradel-Serey) vs
Jason Sarbacker 1-1 (Sityodtong)

Round 1: Jason starts off landing some big kicks and punches. The fighters clinch, scramble, and separate. Luis misses with a flying knee and Jason wins the scramble that follows and he ends up in side control. Jason works to mount and is showing good top control, but very little G&P and no submission attempts. The action is slow when Jason tries an arm triangle and then adds some strikes and elbows. The action stays pretty slow until Luis sweeps to top and fires off some punches to end the round, but it’s too little too late !!!
Old School score: Jason Sarbacker 10-9

Round 2: Jason tries a spinning back kick that misses, but does get a takedown to top of guard. Once again, the action is slow and the ref is looking to stand the fight back up. Jason works to side control and then to mount. Jason doesn’t appear tired, but he is not really working too hard from the mount and is risking having the fight stood back up. Jason finally moves to side control and unloads some punches to end the fight!!!
Winner by submission due to strikes @ 4:30 rd 2: Jason Sarbacker

FIGHT # 12:
145 lb pro
Chris “Kumite” Rowley 2-2 (Dragonfire) vs
Josh Parker 1-2 (Littlefield’s MMA)
Chris “Clay Guida” Rowley enters to Led Zepplin’s “Kashmir”.

Round 1: After a quick scramble, Josh nails a takedown to top of guard, but is caught in Rowley’s guillotine. Josh pulls out and is landing some G&P and Rowley tries to defend. The ref stands it up after a period of inactivity and Parker whistles a round kick that just grazes Rowley’s face! Chris Rowley sticks a double leg takedown and Parker grabs a guillotine into bottom guard for the quick tap out by Rowley; Slick as a cup of custard!!!
Winner by submission due to guillotine choke @ 3:28 rd 1: Josh Parker

Parker showed good poise and control throughout the fight. He seemed to have a big strength advantage and was able to use it! For Rowley, this might be a reminder to go back to his natural fight weight of 135 lbs.

RANDOM THOUGHTS:
Saul Almeida was in the house. He was supposed to headline this card, but one opponent after another agreed and then backed out. (And you thought it was fun to be a promoter!) We hope to see him at the Night of Champions event in April. Reep “The Candlemaker” was in the house and he claimed to be taking pictures for his web site, but mostly he seemed to be focused on taking pictures of the ring girls. Mike “Lights Out” Dexter was also in the house, and he was looking and feeling good after a scary moment in the Reality Fighting cage one week ago! It’s good to see you looking well Mike! Oh, yeah, Kevin MacDonald was in the house and in the cage. Kevin the Ref is making his UFC debut at UFC 128!! We all wish him the best of luck there!

KEVIN THE REF CONTEST
Kevin is in the market for a new nickname before his UFC debut, because Kevin “Kevin the Ref” MacDonald might not cut it on the big stage. So we are taking suggestions; Post your best suggestion in the Kevin “Kevin the Ref” MacDonald new nickname contest here at our website. The winner will receive a one year’s supply of great respect at future MMA events! (Kevin “Old School” MacDonald is an invalid entry and will not be accepted.)
Please hurry with your best entry as we don’t have a lot of time!!!

AWARDS:

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Matt Doherty and Tom Evans
SUBMISSION OF THE NIGHT: Rob Font
TKO OF THE NIGHT: Joe Cloutier
FIGHTER OF THE NIGHT: Jesse Gutierez

Congratulations to our winners tonight. You all may pick up your bonus checks from Pete DiLorenzo at the next event!!!


AFO NEW YEAR’S REDEMPTION REVIEW
From: Old School

The Boys from the AFO, Promo Pete and Matchman Mark, hosted a truly electrifying MMA show at the Mansfield Holiday Inn Saturday night, Jan. 8th. The full house was sold out in advance, thanks in great part to headliner Steve Dunn, who had his own section reserved, taped off, and hermetically sealed (empty, but ready) well before the doors opened. The night featured nine amateur fights (3×3minute rounds), four pros (3×5 minute rounds), and two championship pros (5×5 minute rounds). With Ring Boy Chuck calling the shots and the fans starting fill up the seats, we were ready to start the amateur card…

Fight #1
155 lbs.
Anson “The Natural” Hatfield (0-0) Big Paw
Lucas “Barely Legal” Cruz (0-0) Wai Kru / Tapout

The two teenage warriors meet in the cage center and begin trading kicks, high and low. Hatfield misses with a nice spinning backfist. An accidental groin kick forces a brief pause in the action… Anson is landing punches when he is dropped by a leg kick. He is back up, but Cruz is drilling him with more leg kicks. Cruz drops Hatfield with another leg kick. (If this keeps up, Anson Hatfield’s grandkids are gonna walk with a limp!) Lucas lands some ground and pound and eventually works for the rear naked choke and gets the tap out!
Winner by RNC, Lucas Cruz at 2:57 of Round 1.

The crowd is filling up the hall. PS: Steve Dunn’s section appears to be about one quarter full.

Fight #2
170 lbs.
Will “The Insane Rhino” Marnik (0-0) Pradal-Serey
Richard White (0-0) Central NY MMA

The first round starts with White nailing a double leg to a slam, ending in top control. White passes Marnik’s guard to mount and he begins to deliver some G&P. (It’s obvious that Richard White didn’t travel from Central New York to Eastern Mass. to come in second place.) Marnik is not able to offer much defense and the G&P continues until the ref calls a stop!
Winner by TKO; Richard White @ 2:33 Round 1.

Richard White is a strong fighter who weighed in at 165 for this fight. He may become even more powerful at 155!

Fight #3
200 lbs.
Mark “The Rock” Vogel (0-0) Connors MMA
Tom Curcio (0-0) North Shore Martial Arts

This fight features two big, heavy dudes who really came here to fight! Tom was landing the better kicks, Mark the better punches until Mark catches a kick and turns it into a takedown. Mark then dictates the rest of the first round with good top control.
In the second frame, Tom takes over with a plethora of kicks, punches, and elbows, many of which came from the top position of sprawl. Tom does a lot of damage with these strikes, even though Mark closes out the round with some knees to the body following a takedown. The damage is done; the doctor stops the fight in between rounds due to injury to the eye of Mark Vogel!
Winner by TKO (Doctor Stoppage); Tom Curcio @ Round 2.

The hall is nearly full, including standing room only; Steve Dunn’s section is about half full and closing!!!

Fight #4
135 lbs.
Devin Pilkington (2-1) Rhode Island Combat
Andrew Davis (1-0) Wai Kru / Tapout

Andrew Davis (with “Doomsday” Howard in tow!) and Devin Pilkington put on a three-round battle that saw the first round end so close, I called it a tie (just because I can!). Davis seemed to be very comfortable, almost ready to bring the fight to the next level, but just a little cautious in this round.
The second round finds Davis winning a takedown to top of guard, but Pilkington finishing the round with a triangle choke and G&P from the bottom. This was another tough one to call, depending on whether you like takedown and top control or sub attempts from the bottom.
A cautious third round eventually finds Davis taking Pilkington down again; this time Davis works to the mount, where he controls the pivotal third round, adding some ground and pound to secure a unanimous decision win!
Winner by UD, Andrew Davis

I was happy to see that Davis got the win in this one. He appeared to be the better skilled fighter on this night, although Devin made the fight a close one. Both guys brought it for this fight…Kudos to Pilkington for a big effort, as he never gave in! This is FOTN so far!!!

Fight #5
145 lbs.
Matt Doherty (0-0) Pradal-Serey
Brett Morris (1-0) Rivera MMA

Brett dominated the first two rounds of this fight with good takedowns and wrestling control from the top, despite a lack of G&P or sub attempts.
In round three, Matt comes alive with kicks, a takedown, and some G&P. Brett grabs an arm bar, but Matt pulls out as Brett sweeps to top. Matt sweeps back and adds more G&P. But Brett sweeps again and wins the end of round three with good top control, as Steve Dunn’s section grows to 75% capacity!!!
Winner by Unanimous Decision, Brett Morris

I really like Brett’s wrestling takedowns and top control. When he adds G&P and submission, his game will soar. Matt never gave up in this one either, and in the final round he threw the best strikes of the fight. Real nice job by both warriors!

Fight #6
170 lbs.
Nate “The Snake” Andrews (2-2) Rockstar / United
Sean “The Ginger Ninja” Nichols (1-3) Wai Kru / Tapout

Sean Nichols is pumped up during the entrance. The first round starts with Sean throwing kicks, but Nate grabs a takedown to top control. Sean sweeps to top and the fight is back to the feet. Nate nails a slam and lands in mount, adding G&P to the mix! He works his position to rear control and locks in a rear naked choke for the tap! And Steve Dunn Stadium is at 80% capacity!
Winner by RNC, Nate Andrews @ 2:25 of Round 1

Fight #7
145 lbs.
Billy Giovanella (1-0) Connors MMA
Vychaslav Phinney (1-1) North Shore Martial Arts

Vych and Billy are each coming off recent wins. They clinch and go to the ground with Bill on top and Vych pulling him into guard. Billy starts with some G&P, working his way to full mount. The G&P continues until he works in an RNC for the tap-out!
Winner by RNC; Billy Giovanella @ 2:12 Round1.

Fight #8
170 lbs.
Gabe “The Bear Jew” Perlman (0-0) Tim Burrill
Tim “Sprinkles” Song (1-0) Wai Kru / Tapout

As the fighters start the first round, Gabe shoots for a takedown, but Tim stuffs it. They circle cautiously. As Gabe lowers to shoot again, Tim catches him with an uppercut. Gabe’s mouthpiece becomes airborne…He is OUT!!!
Winner by KO; Tim Song @ 0:37 Round 1.

Tim timed that strike perfectly. Wow! This guy has some major league power!

Fight #9
Heavyweight
Brandon Newman (0-1) Allaire MMA
James Smith (2-0) Maxx

The big guys start the first round with a clinch and some dirty boxing. Smith, who has a huge crowd cheering, gets a takedown to top mount. Newman sweeps to top of guard and moves to mount. Newman is working some G&P and he goes for an arm bar. These two big guys are moving really well! Smith pulls out and gets top control, as Dunn’s section closes in on 90% capacity. Smith works for rear control and sinks in a rear naked choke to get the tapout at the bell!
Winner by RNC; James Smith @ 3:00 Round1.

PRO CARD:

Fight #10
155 lbs.
Joe Powers (0-0) Dexter Vale Tudo
Lewis Corapi (1-0) Sityodtong

Both fighters are coming off recent wins. Joe recently won his final amateur bout with a submission of the night performance!

Round 1: The boys circle and then lock up for a long clinch. Joes finally gets a nice hip throw, but Lewis sweeps to top of side mount. After a ground scramble, Lewis rides too high and Powers gets to top of guard. They stand and Lewis gets a slam to top control and the lights go out! (No, really; the cage lights go out and it’s dark!) The ref halts the action until the problem can be fixed. The lights come back on. Fight restarted, Lewis works for rear G&P to end the round!
Lewis Corapi 10-9

Round 2: They circle with jabs, then clinch. Lewis gets a takedown to top of guard and works to mount; he adds a side order of ground and pound and the ref has seen enough! Steve Dunn’s section is at capacity; the whole venue is jammed to the rafters.
Winner by TKO; Lewis Corapi @ 1:25 R2

Lewis looks better with every fight. He looked much more confident on this one than in his pro debut.

The next event of the evening is the forced intermission due to the lack of a second ambulance crew. This drags on for almost 45 minutes, so when the fights resume it’s almost 11 PM. The fight commission has a curfew of 12:00 midnight. Although it (the curfew) is not chiseled in stone, the promoter decides to move right to the two championship fights!!! This will leave three fights in limbo!?

Fight #11
Heavyweight Championship
Mike Dexter (6-6) Dexter Vale Tudo
Shawn Gallano (7-1) Maxx

Shawn Gallano’s nickname is “Death Sentence.” His entrance music is an F-bomb sundae with swears on top.

Round 1: The round starts cautiously. Shawn stuffs a takedown and lands some G&P. Dexter works to top of half guard and the action slows as Dexter is just maintaining control from the top. BOOM!!! Out go the lights! This time they stay out, leaving the fighters in darkness for a minute or so, so the fighters stand and wait for the utility bill to be paid. The lights come back on but not for long…Somewhere there is a cord kicker in the building and we need to find him! The snafu is solved and the fighters are returned to the same position where Dexter is in top control. He begins to land knees as he works to mount while adding G&P. Dexter then sinks in an arm triangle for the Death Sentence!
Winner by arm triangle; Mike “Lights Out” Dexter @ 4:44 of Round 1.

Congratulations to Mike Dexter, the new AFO Heavy Weight Champ! Despite giving away some size, Mike won this one with technique and conditioning.

Fight # 12
Welterweight Championship (170 lbs.)
Paddy “Thunderkitten” Thompson (9-3) South Shore Sportfighting
Steve “Sandman” Dunn (7-0) Wai Kru / Tapout

Paddy has expressed a great respect for his opponent. Steve Dunn showed up with 250 of his most intimate friends. This place is rocking!!

Round 1: Dunn shoots a nice takedown and Paddy pulls guard. The Sandman is punching from the top, but Paddy is limiting the damage with good defense. Dunn is keeping real busy, but so is Paddy when the cord kicker strikes again, leaving yet another darkness delay. The crowd is very frustrated and I bet the fighters are too! Problem solved, Dunn continues to work from the top. Paddy locks in a triangle from the bottom and begins to strike with elbows and punches. He continues to pull on the leg and head, all the while striking the Sandman in the head. Finally Paddy gives it one final squeeze and he gets the tap!!!
Winner by triangle choke; Paddy “Thunderkitten” Thompson @ 4:46 Round 1.

Congratulations to Paddy on another defense of his belt. Normally, this would mark the end of the night, but the fight order change means that we have more action. The interviews will have to wait. We now move on to the three fights from the main pro card that were delayed.

Fight #13
Heavyweight
Tyler King (0-0) Connors MMA
James “Chainsaw” Quelle (3-2) Wai Kru / Tapout

King starts the round with a takedown to top of guard. The former NFL’er is controlling well and eventually passes guard and works to mount. King postures up for some G&P and then switches to side control G&P and then back to the mount for some huge G&P until the ref steps in before the cops do!!! Wow!
Winner by assault and battery; Tyler King @ 4:06 Round 1.

Tyler King wins his pro MMA debut and Steve Dunn’s section is empty!

Fight #14
135 lbs.
Chris Rowley (1-2) Dragon Fire MMA
Sean Patrick Brady (0-0) Greg Swanson

I have never seen Chris Rowley in a boring fight. His top shelf conditioning, infectious smile, magnetic personality, and I just love the 70’s hair style says “I wanna be like Clay Guida when I grow up”!!!

Round 1: Chris Rowley slides in for a nice shot and a take down. He lands in top of side mount and begins to methodically work to rear control. He is digging for a RNC and finally gets it, slick as a smelt! Brady is forced to tap and it’s lights out! (Not the cage lights this time, just regular “lights out”!)
Winner by RNC; Chris “Clay Guida” Rowley @ 0:52 Round 1.
Hey Chris, ask and you shall receive. Old School.

Fight #15
185 lbs.
Francisco “The Floor Man” Ferreira (1-0) Tim Burrill
Chris Paolini (0-0) Spirit Fighting

Francisco hasn’t fought in 3 ½ years. It’s good to have him back.

Round 1: Ferreria clinches and scores a takedown to top of side mount. He works hard to take the mount and then begins landing huge right hand strikes as if Paolini owes him money and the ref has to stop the action! Wow, this kid can hit!
Winner by KO; Francisco Ferreria @ 0:33 Round 1.

Paolini was out for a long time. He left the cage on a gurney and was taken to the hospital! Get well soon Chris. We pray for you. Old School.

Because the fight order had to be juggled last minute, the two belt holders were not in the building when the fights were over, so I was not able to hook up for an interview. We’ll get’em next time.
This event put fannies in the seats. There isn’t any fun happening when the hall is half empty. This place was jamming.
Pete and Mark really handled the ambulatory delay well; way to stay light on your feet! No, I really mean light… you know…on your feet. Seriously, these AFO guys did put up a good show.

And now for the awards:
Fight of the Night: Devin Pilkington and Andrew Davis
Knock Out of the Night: Tim Song
Submission of the night: Chris “Clay Guida” Rowley
Snafu of the Night: AFO El


AFO Thanksgiving Massacre                                                From: Old School

Pete DiLorenzo and the folks at AFO hosted the Thanksgiving Massacre Wednesday, November 24th 2010 at The Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA.  The MMA event featured nine amateur bouts (three rounds @ three minutes per round), four pro bouts (three five minute rounds), and one Pro Title fight (5×5).

Peter and the AFO boys showed us a good time with a good night of fights.  The venue seemed to be at or near the 1100 to 1200 capacity.  Our press seats, though elevated, were very far back from the cage, so we missed bits or the action from time to time as the crowd would stand up.  (Note to promoters:  the press really needs cage side table seats!  Put the fight commission out back!  Please…) Proceeds from this fight will help to feed around 1,000 people Thanksgiving dinner this year!!!!!!!

Over all, the venue was real nice and well laid out for the convenience of the fans and fighters.  Peter is a very accommodating and approachable guy!  The crowd was great and the production was top notch.  On to the fights!!!

Fight #1

180 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Jay Filipino (0-1) Cape Cod Fighting Alliance

Morgan Gutsell (0-2) Dexter

I don’t know much about Morgan, but I do know Crazy Jay Filipino has one tough ground game!

Round 1:  The fighters tap gloves and Jay quickly nails a takedown into half guard.  Jay is working some ground and pound from the top of half guard.  The crowd is quiet at this point, so although we (the press) are quite a distance from the cage, I can hear Pat Schultz in Jay’s corner calling every move to his fighter!  Crazy Jay responds by working to rear naked choke and locks it in tight for the tap out, slick as a cup of custard!!!              

                   OFFICIAL DECISION: Crazy Jay Filipino wins by RNC @ 1:12 of Round 1

Jay is a very young fighter.  He told me after the bout that this fight went exactly as

planned.  We can all look forward to seeing this kid down the road!

Fight #2

180 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Tom Venticinque (1-0) USA Karate

Joe Lancia (0-0) Rhode Island Combat

Round 1:  Tom gets a clinch and works it to the cage.  Joe spins it around, but Tom nails a big slam and lands in side control.  Not a lot of ground work is happening as they neutralize one another on the ground.  Tom eventually works to mount and lands some G&P.  Joe is working hard from the bottom, but Tom opens up with some huge G&P as the round ends.

                             Old School score: Tom Venticinque 10-9

Round 2:  Tom gets a double leg takedown to mount and opens up a big can of ground and pound, and the ref has seen enough!!!

                       OFFICIAL DECISION: Tom Venticinque wins by TKO @ :23 of Round 2

Fight #3

135 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Ethan Conley (1-0) Waikru

Anthony “The Squirrel” Carmenatti (5-4) (Independent)

Anthony “The Squirrel” is very laid back, joking with us out back before entering the cage.  Ethan is the much taller and larger of the two fighters.

Round 1:  The Squirrel lands a body kick to a clinch.  Ethan is landing knees in the clinch and along the cage until he takes The Squirrel down.  Ethan is landing punches from side control, standing in top of guard, and back to side control.  The Squirrel is moving on his back but taking a lot of damage in this round!

                             Old School score: Ethan Conley 10-9                                                                                                      

Round 2:  The boys are striking and kicking in the center of the cage.  Ethan begins to land knees in the clinch.  Ethan gets the takedown and is landing G&P from the top of side control.  He moves to the mount and unloads a salvo of strikes to end the fight!

                           OFFICIAL DECISION: Ethan Conley wins by TKO @ 1:25 of Round 2

Fight # 4

205 lbs.

Patrick Euglow (1-0) Allaire

Joe Castriotta (0-0) Doomsday

These two guys are very thick, stocky dudes.

Round 1: Joe gets a takedown and lands some huge G&P and scores a TKO stoppage right away!

 OFFICIAL DECISION: Joe Castriotta wins by Assault and Battery @ :25 of Round 1

Fight #5

170 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Sean Nichols (0-2) Waikru

Jim Armato (2-3) Doomsday

Sean Nichols has been out of action for over a year due to injury.  He is very excited to be back and feels he is ready to notch a win!  Jim is an equally nice guy who is admittedly more nervous tonight than usual for some reason.

            Jim’s entrance music is nothing but a string of F-bombs held together by a few swear words.  Why a nice young guy chooses that horrible music is beyond me!

Round 1:  The boys circle and Sean lands a sharp head kick followed by a swarm of punches!  Jim clinches and gets a takedown, but a scramble on the ground finds Sean on top in guard landing punches that are finding a home.  The ref has seen enough!

                              OFFICIAL DECISION: Sean Nichols wins by TKO @ :58 of Round 1

In the post-fight interview Sean credits his corner for the win.  He felt good and he could hear his corner’s advice.  Jim walked over to us, shook hands, and the two congratulated and thanked one another for the effort.  Jim never saw the head kick that started the onslaught.  In fact, as we discussed it here in the locker room twenty minutes after the fight, this is the moment that he realized that it was a kick. As the two fighters talked and laughed, I walked away listening to their conversation.  I felt like I wanted to find a television set and watch an episode of The Waltons!  (Note to Jim Armato: Gimme a call if you need help finding entrance music for your next fight!)

Fight #6

Catch weight 171 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Joe Powers (2-2) Dexter

Ricardo Georges (4-1) Pradel-Serey

Joe’s opponent weighed in ten pounds heavy and was told to go home and eat some more turkey.  Ricardo’s opponent never showed at all!  He must BE a turkey!  So Pete DiLorenzo matched up these two warriors last minute!  He thinks this one could be fight of the night!!

Round 1:  Ricardo is taller, longer, and is landing big leg kicks, jabbing and moving well.  But Joe drops him with a big punch and grabs top control.  The fighters work back to the stand-up.  Back on the feet, Joe is landing better punches and Ricardo is scoring with kicks…Ricardo lands a head kick, and both guys are swinging punches in the center of the cage.  Ricardo clips Joe with a punch that puts Joe on the floor, and Ricardo pounds away for the stoppage!

                      OFFICIAL DECISION: Ricardo Georges wins by TKO @ 2:23 of Round 1

This was a great matchup; Fight of the Night so far!  I would love to see either one or both of these warriors fight again!!!

                      AWESOME fight!

Fight #7

185 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Elias Ikiki (2-2) Redline

Joe Cloutier (1-2) Doomsday

Joe was so amped up he sprinted to the cage during his entrance!!!

Round 1: Joe is much taller, and as the fighters clinch he is landing knees to the body.  Elias gets a takedown; they clinch back to the feet.  Elias seems to be working a Darce choke, but Joe fights it off.  The fighters clinch again and Elias gets a throw to top of side control, adding a little G&P for good measure.  Joe reverses to top of side control and is working an Americana when Elias knees him in the head (illegally) from the bottom.  Joe gets recovery time; Elias gets a one-point deduction.

            The fight is restarted on the feet.  As they strike in the cage center, Elias is arguing with Kevin the Ref and fighting Joe Cloutier at the same time!  The round ends.

                             Old School score: Tie 9-9                                                                                                                                                             

Round 2:  They tap gloves and clinch.  Joe gets the takedown to top of guard and then to front guillotine/Darce choke.  It’s tight.  Joe flops Elias over once and tightens the choke up for the tap out!

                           OFFICIAL DECISION:  Joe Cloutier wins by choke @ 0:58 of Round 2

Great work by Joe Cloutier.  Kevin said he would normally return the fight to the previous position after the illegal knee, but while standing, Joe shook it off and said, “Let’s go!”

Fight #8

145 lbs.  Ammy (3×3)

Tom Evans (0-0) USA Karate

Vychaslav Phinney (0-1) (North Shore)

It seems that Evans brought half the state of Rhode Island to cheer him on.  There are an awful lot of Evans T-shirts floating around as the crowd screams his name!!!!

Round 1:  Evans is landing kicks and Phinney clinches, scrambles, and nails a take down into top of guard.  Phinney lands a lot of G&P strikes from the top.  Evans works it back to the feet, but Phinney takes him back down and lands more strikes.  Tom stands back up, but Phinney clinches and lands a knee strike to end the first round!

                                                         Old School Score:  Vychaslav Phinney 10-9

Round 2:  Evans misses a kick and Phinney clinches and gets a take down and peppers a little G&P from the Top.  Back on the feet, Phinney lands a big upper cut on his way to a clinch, and eventually a huge slam!!!  (Phinney is very methodically ruining the evening for the local boy and 250 of his most intimate friends and family.)  The round ends slowly, with Phinney on top

                                                            Old School Score:  Vychaslav Phinney 10-9

Round 3:  Tom is showing a lot of guts, as he doesn’t want to disappoint the crowd that is here supporting him.  He is landing leg kicks and Phinney punches his way into a clinch. They both throw knees as Phinney works into a clinch and eventually a takedown. Phinney is in top of guard and they work for a long time in that position until the round ends!

                                                            Old School Score:  Vichaslav Phinney 10-9

                                    OFFICIAL DECISION:  Phinney wins by Unanimous Decision.

                                                                                    (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Fight #9

200 lbs. Ammy (3×3)

Patrick Walsh (2-0) Waikru

Matthew Andrikut (3-1) Kut Combat 

Round 1:  Matt is striking really well when Patrick scores a takedown. But Matt is up quickly and landing real nice punches. Patrick shakes his left arm as though it is hurt as Matthew continues to land effective punches. Walshey’s corner throws the white towel into the cage to end the fight due to the injury to Walshey’s shoulder.

                                    Winner by flying laundry: Matt Andrikut @ 0:54 Round 1

            Too Bad!! This was shaping up to be a good fight!  Andrikut looks like the real deal.

Fight #10

140 lbs. Pro (3×5)

Theo Desjardin (0-2) Allaire

Doug Sonier (3-3-1) Sitan MMA

The place goes nuts for Theo as Doug’s character has been hung out over the Internet Laundromat. This is a fight, not church! Let’s do this!!!

Round 1:  True to his character, Doug tries the “Fake the glove tap/sucker punch.” It kinda works as Doug continues to land kicks and punches. Doug clinches and lands knees. Theo gets a takedown to top control, but Doug tries to leg lock him. Theo pulls the leg out and gets rear control with G&P. Theo rolls once and locks in the hooks and continues to strike before he locks in the rear naked choke. It’s deep. Doug taps and the crowd cheers wildly for Theo!

            Theo is the MAN!!!

                             Winner by tapout to RNC: Theo Desjardin at 2:59 of Round 1

Fight #11

155 lbs. Pro (3×5)

Lewis Corapi (0-0) Sityodtong

Dyrell Walker (0-1) The Pit

Round 1:  Lewis is pushing forward, but Walker is scoring with leg kicks and crisp striking. Lewis lands an overhand right into a double leg takedown to top of guard. The fight goes back on the feet as the fighters circle with good striking both ways. Lewis catches a Walker leg kick and gets another takedown, landing some strikes. The fighters get back to the feet and the round ends with both guys working strikes!

                                                         Old School Score:  Lewis Corapi 10-9

Round 2:  Lewis   pushes forward again as Dyrell works cleaner strikes and leg kicks. Lewis is kicked/slips to the mat but pops right up and gets another takedown with a big slam, landing in top of guard and striking with G&P. Lewis works to side control, but is called for an illegal knee strike to the head of a downed opponent and he is penalized a point. The fight is restarted on the feet and both fighters are striking well with Lewis Corapi pushing the action as his corner, Mark Delagratti, can be heard calling to his fighter. Lewis gets another takedown to side control and then mount, but Walker escapes back door and the round ends with both guys standing and striking.

                                                            Old School Score:  Tie 9-9

Round 3:  Dyrell is moving and throwing well but, again, Corapi is forcing the pace. Lewis clinches and gets a takedown with some G&P from side control. Dyrell gets back on his feet, but he is always back-pedaling. Both fighters are moving and throwing with little to no damage…they are tired but showing great heart!!! Lewis grabs one more takedown, but Walker stands it up as the round ends!

                                                            Old School Score:  Lewis Corapi 10-9     OFFICIAL DECISION:  Winner by Unanimous Decision, Lewis  Corapi                                                  

This was a real good effort by both fighters!                                                                

Fight #12

145 lbs.  Pro (3×5)

Franklin Isabel (2-4) Waikru

Fernando Perez (2-4) CCFA

Each fighter sports a 2-4 record, but the consensus is that these guys don’t take easy fights and, therefore, are better than their records indicate.

Round 1:  The boys trade leg kicks. Fernando eventually grabs a double leg takedown, landing in top of guard. Franklin ties him up from the bottom real tight so that Perez can’t really strike or escape guard. Perez pushes from top of guard so the fight is near his corner, but Franklin pulls a triangle choke. It’s not too tight, so Perez lifts and slams Isabel; but now Isabel tightens the triangle and forces Perez to tap out!

                            Winner by tapout due to triangle choke: Franklin Isabel at 3:24 Round 1

            Nice win for Mr. Isabel!

Fight #13

Brian “BJ” Marino Pro (4-1) Allaire/Hitsquad

Dan Bonnell Pro (11-7) Renzo NH

Local favorite BJ Marino sports a 5-0 ammy record and is 4-1 as a pro. Half the town of North Attleboro is home cooking turkey dinner for the other half, who showed up here to support BJ in his final MMA fight before entering the US Army.  Future New England  MMA legend Dan Bonnell came down from NH to test the skills of this young up-and-comer and ruin the night for BJ’s homeys.

Round 1:  Bonnell is chasing, moving forward, and scoring early with strikes. The crowd begins to chant, “BJ, BJ”. So Dan Bonnell cracks him with a nice combination. The fighters smile at each other and Bonnell continues to control the stand-up striking game. BJ gets a takedown to guard, works to rear control, and then he lifts Bonnell for a MONSTER slam!!! The crowd is digging this!  BJ works some G&P, but the ref saw an illegal strike, so Bonnell is given recovery time.

                        The boys tap gloves and circle cautiously. BJ clinches and finds himself in top of guard, standing. He works to mount, but Bonnell sweeps to top of guard. BJ sweeps back to top and drops some huge G&P to end the round!!!

                                                         Old School Score:  BJ Marino 10-9

Dan Bonnell can’t answer the bell for the second round.

                                    OFFICIAL DECISION:  Winner by TKO Brian Marino

            BJ looked sharp against a tough opponent. After the fight, he was wearing a real nice mouse on his left eye. He said that Dan hit him hard a few times, but he never felt he was in trouble! Good luck, BJ, with your upcoming US Army service! Can’t wait to see you back in town!!!

            I didn’t get the chance to find out exactly what went wrong with Bonnell, as I didn’t find him after the fight, but he told my associate that it was his knee.  Hope all is well, Dan.

Fight #14

155 lbs. TITLE FIGHT

Joey “The Fight Doctor” Proctor (4-0) Lauzon MMA

Luis “Rockstar” Feliz (5-6) Rockstar

Defending champ and local stud Joey Proctor is dressed in a 4-0 record, trimmed nicely with hundreds of screaming fans, and accentuated with Joe Lauzon as his corner man. And fighting out of the red corner is Luis “Rockstar” Felix; He’s wearing a 5-6 record and covered in an endless plethora of Boos!

Round 1:  Joey Proctor goes for a double leg and Felix locks in a standing guillotine against the cage. After some time Felix finally wins a takedown to top of side control, landing a few knees. Joey stands, but Felix has another guillotine. Luis releases the hold, backs up, and throws punches. Joey covers up as Felix throws some punches, and then they both open up swinging. Joey covers up against the cage and Felix lands big punches. (The Rockstar was supposed to show up and knocked out by the local stud!!! Somehow, he never got the memo!) The fighters trade leg kicks, the crowd chants “Joey, Joey”, and the round runs out of time. Joey found a little rhythm toward the end of round one.

                                                         Old School Score:  Luis “Rockstar” Felix 10-9

Round 2:  The boys are cautiously circling…Joey moves forward with strikes. Felix the cat pulls a head kick out of his bag of tricks and it lands nicely, backing the Lauzon MMA Fighter up to the cage. Felix is now unloading huge bombs and Proctor is dropped to the floor. Felix is relentless; he is swinging like a windmill in a tornado and Joey is getting nailed. Joey tries to stand, but the tornado continues…

         OFFICIAL DECISION:  Winner by TKO Luis “Rockstar” Felix @ 2:29 Rd. 2



Pete DiLorenzo and the AFO are a very accommodating group. They put on a real nice show at a quality venue. But if they keep putting together shows like this one, they’re gonna need a bigger boat! Nice job, Fellas!

And now for the awards:

     Fight of the night:  Lewis Corapi and Dyrell Walker

     Knock out of the night: Luis “Rockstar” Felix

     Submission of the Night: Theo Desjardin

     Slam of the Night: B.J. Marino

     I better never catch You looking at my daughter Award: Doug Sonier

     Most Handsome Corner: CCFA

Congratulations to all the fighters, especially our award winners, who can pick up your bonus checks from Pete DiLorenzo at the January 8, 2011 show!!!







Results for "Halloween Havoc"

Oct 8th, 2010

Paddy Thompson def. Tim O’Connell via TKO – Round 2, :48
Ken Stone def. Jason Bennett via submission (guillotine) – Round 1, 2:37
Brian Marino def. Christian Rivera via submission (guillotine) – Round 1
Steve Dunn def. John Downey via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:01
Chris Rowley def. Theo Desjardin via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 4:01
Tyler King def. Brandon Newman via TKO – Round 1, :52
Joe Lamoureaux def. Mike Zatek via TKO – Round 3, 1:06
Joe Powers def. Jim Armato via TKO – Round 2, 2:57
Tal Stimson def. Kevin Knight via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Dave Lachapelle def. Devin Pilkington via TKO – Round 1, :48
Ricardo Georges def. Joe Polazio via TKO – Round 2, 2:41
Mike O’Connell def. KC Faldesz via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:04
Joe Cloutier def. Jaek Johnson via submission (straight armbar) – Round 1, 2:32
Dave Jones def. Adam Morgan via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:58
Dinis Paiva def. Tim Padua via TKO – Round 1, 1:57
Tony Collins def. Mario Rodao via KO – Round 2, :19
Fred Mandrachia def. Cido Hoff via submission (guillotine) – Round 1, 2:21
Than Stimson def. Mike Morin via submission (guillotine) – Round 3, 2:19
Cary Chang def. Vyachslav Phinney via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

AFO “13” Results

In spite of some Friday the 13th bad luck, 11 great fights entertained an amped up audience of the Mansfield Holiday Inn promoted by AFO. 

In the main event, hot prospect Tyson Chartier of Sityodtong/North Shore BJJ defeated highly regarded Nate Andrews of Rockstar/United Muay Lao via guillotine in the second round. Andrews, who had breezed through his prior opponents showing outstanding athleticism, seemed perplexed by Chartier’s strength and controlled aggression. Chartier took the fight to the ground almost immediately, negating his taller opponent’s reach and striking ability, grinding away until he found his opening at 2:45 of the second round. According to trainer/advisor Mark Dellagrote, Tyson’s next cage appearance will be as a pro. 

It may not have lasted long, but it was fireworks while it went in the evening’s co-feature with Sityodtong’s Jeff Bermani remaining undefeated via first round knockout over Team Dexter’s Joe Powers, with both fighters coming out swinging for the fences. As both fighters landed power shots and hurt each other, accuracy went to Bermani, who’s right uppercut connected on the chin of Powers who’s simultaneous left hook rocked Bermani as it connected to his nose, nearly causing a double knockout, Bermani fell into the cage wall which woke him while Powers hit the canvas and was out. Powers, delighted by being in such a wild fight, immediately asked for a rematch. 

Jim Armato, representing Doomsday MMA got back in the win column with a split decision over the tough Dan Bartelinni of Jorge Rivera MMA in a very entertaining fight, Jim controlled the fight on the mat wearing down Dan. 

Tal Stimson of Peter Rogers MMA in Connecticut dominated the first 2 ½ rounds of his bout with the taller Ricardo Georges of Team Pradal-Seray with outstanding ground work and a very intelligent game plan. Never getting frustrated, however, Georges saw his opportunity late in the third round, ending the fight with 14 seconds left by triangle in an exciting come-from-behind win. 

Joe Polazio of Allaire Fitness defeated Jonathan Cox in the first via RNC. 

Patrick Euglow was impressive stopping previously undefeated Bill Nickerson in two rounds in a heavyweight matchup. The former football player used his remarkable strength and solid skills to defeat his larger opponent. 

Nick Ryder picked up his first win, as well as fighter of the night trophy with an unanimous decision over Luke Raphael MMA’s Billy Keenan. After starting his MMA career at 0-2, Ryder looked like the switch to Allaire Fitness, under trainer and fighter Damian Trites has turned him into a new fighter, showing concentration and patience in dominating from the ground against the very determined Keenan. 

Thane Stimson, brother of the aforementioned Tal, defeated Providences Denis Paiva via guillotine in the second round of a very entertaining fight. 

Waikru’s Andrew Davis, also a talented hockey player, took the fight to the ground against the rugged Cido Hoff, getting the tko win via ground and pound in the first round. 

Tom Ventiquence of United Muay Lao used his superior strength to ground out a very entertaining and competitive decision over Dexter MMA’s Morgan Gutgsell in the first cage appearance for both fighters. 

In the night’s opening fight, Waikru’s Robert Flint defeated a determined Marc Spencer in the first round via tko. 

As it happens, however, some of the most anticipated fights of the night did not happen. Team Dexter’s David Hernandez was gloved and ready when he learned that his opponent, Thiago Martins of East Boston, allegedly a BJJ blackbelt, decided he didn’t want to fight and snuck out the back door without telling anyone he was leaving, 30 minutes before he was scheduled to fight. Promoters beware!! After the runaway fighter spirited off into the night, AFO discovered it was the SECOND time Martins has done this before stepping into the cage. His license has been indefinitely suspended. 

Brian Morales, also slated to make his MMA debut was also left opponent-less when Jose Rusterian was sidelined by a family emergency. After fighting AFO’s fight of the night in June, Rusterian was deeply apologetic to his younger opponent, but was unable to do anything to remedy the situation. 






June 25 AFO Mansfield

Actually, I should say June 25-26th. 

 AFO’s summer bash got off to an exciting start and continued the trend throughout the night to a brief but explosive main event and a co-feature that is likely the best amateur fight AFO’s audiences have seen in 12 shows. 

In the main event for the AFO 155-pound title, Joey Proctor, representing team aggression, became the new champ with a first-round submission over Dragon Lair’s Nelson Gaipo. Gaipo came out at the bell aggressively, landing a good right hand, following with a takedown, but made the mistake of allowing the phenomenally strong Proctor the front headlock, which he held for over a minute, eventually causing Gaipo to tap after numerous attempts to break free. 

The co-feature brought two talented and undefeated amateurs together in what may be the best fight yet in AFO’s 12-show run. Kin “Kong” Moy, representing Redline MMA won a 3-round unanimous decision over Sityodtong’s Dat Tran at 135 pounds. Both fighters, having similar aggressive, technically superior styles, collided like two runaway trains, landing combinations standing and jockeying for position on the ground. Every time it looked like one fighter had the advantage and was about to end things, the other found a way to escape and reverse the advantage. 
Moy, however, dominated the second and third rounds sufficiently with accurate, sharp combinations to win the decision, 30-27 twice, 29-28 once. 


Bill Nickerson (RI Combat) ko’d Joe Augusta (Lobo MMA/Banana BJJ) in the second round in a heavyweight bout.

Tyson Chartier  (Sityodtong) won a unanimous decision over  Ricardo Georges (Team Pradal-Serey) in a very competitive bout at 170 pounds. The pit-bull like Chartier kept the fight in close on the ground, taking away the outstanding distance striking of Georges. Look for good things from both fighters in the future. 

Joe Lamoreaux (South Shore Sportfighting) brought his usual energy and exciting style to win a very competitive close decision over the talented Joe Cloutier (Doomsday) at 185 pounds. 

It was bombs away from the bell for Anthony Carmenatti and Jesse Gutierez  (Connors MMA) who stood throwing haymakers until a left hook dropped Carmenatti mid-way through the first, giving Gutierez a tko win in his first fight. 

John Campbell (South Shore)easily by armbar in the first over Joey Palmer (Rockstar). Campbell is one of the strongest 135’s around, and audiences would LOVE to see him and Kin Moy soon! 

Joe Pingatore (Rockstar) took a 3-round decision over Jim “The Joker” Armato (Doomsday) in the 155-pound division. 

Tony Ellison (Aggression) had a successful mma debut with a first-round submission over Scott McLean (Dragon Lair)

Heavyweight Benjamin Ortiz (Bestway/Am. Top Team) needed just 17 seconds to score a first round knockout over Nick Finnegan via a single head kick. 

In what was surely a contender for fight of the night, Danny Alexis  (Redline) won a close split decision over Estaban Robles (Rockstar). 

Brian Marino (Allaire) got back in the winning column after suffering his first defeat in February with a tko-2 over Jarrod Johnson (Dragon Lair) when Johnson could not answer the bell for the second round, upon advise of the ring doctor. The first round showed a patient, paced effort by both men, with most of the action standing up with Marino’s superior hand speed giving him the edge. Johnson, the taller man, scored several takedowns, but Marino broke out and returned to the standing position where he is looked more comfortable. Just before the bell, Marino landed several hard head shots, staggering Johnson who looked slightly dazed returning to the corner. Upon speaking to him after the fight, he said that he got hit behind the head, most likely unintentionally, but it did enough to throw off his equilibrium and justify the stoppage by Dr. Berhan Yeh. 

Frank Sforza (South Shore)  had a successful mma debut with a second-round stoppage via ground-and-pound over the very competent Curtis Anthony Moore (Cutting Edge, Worcester) at 155 pounds. 

Patrick Walsh (Bishops/Waikru) scored an exciting third-round stoppage in a very competitive and exciting fight over Tunde Odumusu (Rockstar) at 205 pounds. 

The only good thing about being stopped via guillotine by Jeremiah Diruzzo (Redline) is that he’s also a Chiropractor so if your neck is sore, he can fix it. Joe Powers 1-1 (Dexter) never got his momentum rolling, coming in head low giving Diruzzo the chance to end the fight before the heavy-handed Powers could get any offense going. 

Kevin Knight (Steve Casali) won over a game Nick Ryder (Allaire)

Dan Cormier (Rockstar) won a close decision in a give-and-take fight with Michael DeLosReyes (Dexter). It was the debut fight for both. 

Andre Soukhamthat  (team united) came back from being rocked repeatedly in another fight-of-the-night candidate to stop Jose Rustrian (Luke Raphael) in the third round of an exciting, well-matched bout. 

Evan Scott (Lauzon) beatTim Padua (Dexter) via armbar. 

Sam Muddiman 1-0 (Evil MMA) Beat  Jonathan Cox 0-0 (Whaling City) 

Leo Akikki (Redline) stopped Jake Johnson (Dexter) on one exciting round in which both men landed good shots. 

Jeffery Barmani (Sityodtong) beat Vaughn Lahr in the first, via tko. 

Ethan Connolly (Waikru) won a hard-fought split decision over Jeff Lyons (Dexter) in an excellent fight that could have gone in either direction on the judges cards. Both camps were pleased with their fighter’s efforts. 

Devin Pilkington (RI Combat) beat Fred Mandrachia  via a first round guillotine.

Nate Andrews (Rockstar) started the evening off with a band with second round RNC win in a very exciting fight against Jay Reinhold (Sityodtong) at 170 pounds. 



Febuary 27th, 2010

AFO LAST MAN STANDING REVIEW 

The atmosphere at Lombardo’s in Randolph, Massachusetts can only be described as electrifying. The American Fighting Organization was on hand to deliver one of the best cards in New England’s history. The Ballroom was jam packed and the sell-out crowd was full of energy that lasted through all 22 fights. The evening had everything you could hope for in a mixed martial arts spectacular. A new AFO Champion was crowned, highlight reel finishes and 3 rounds wars were the standard as promised for weeks leading up to the event, this card consisted of all well matched fights, and it delivered on that promise big 

Continuing with the innovative nature of the AFO, hours before the arena was even open you could have logged onto AFOMMA.com and viewed a live stream of the cage assembly, something that has never been done in MMA history, this rare glimpse behind the scenes was informative and enjoyable for the die-hard fans in the audience. Earlier in the day a one hour radio preview show was broadcast simultaneously on mmamonthly.org and afomma.com. The film crew was also present catching all of the action for a DVD release of the nights show as well as internet Pay Per View and on demand viewing and television. 

The evening started off with a bang as Nick Chum from Team Pradal Serey picked up a victory over AFAA’s Raphael Cruz at 165 LBS. Cruz could not answer the bell for the 2nd Round and Chum’s record begins at 1-0. Cruz suffered a low blow in the 1st round and was given the full five minutes to recover by the official. 

Team United representative Nathan Andrews also finished the night with a record of 1-0 as he scored a TKO victory Graham Butler. Butler suffered a cut in the 1st Rounds and the official 
called the fight to protect the fighters safety.

The third fight on the card saw our first submission victory of the night as Tim Leary locked in a rear naked choke in the first round of Mike Justice, gaining him the submission of the night award, Leary came to us by way of Team Redline and the fight was held at 175 LBS.

Next up was the first of two female fights on the card. WaiKru representative Katie Merill was able to bring fan favorite Koreena Goslin to the ground and work some stellar ground and pound to pick up the TKO victory.

The shows fifth fight of the evening turned into a war as AFO veteran and crowd favorite Theo Dejardin welcomed newcomer Devin Pilkington into the cage for the very first time. A back and forth battle that lasted through all 3 rounds was to be the first decision of the night and Devin Pilkington picked up the win in a fight that could have gone either way. Pilkington represents Rhode Island Combat Club and Desjardin fights out of Inner Circle, the bout was held at 135LBS.

In another bantam weight battle Fred “Lord Drac” Mandracchia and Team United’s Michael Aponte engaged in a hard fought contest. Eventually Drac was able to secure a body triangle and lock in a rear naked choke late in first for the tap. Manrdracchia picked up his first win inside the cage.

South Shore Sport Fighting was on hand for our next fight as popular 135er John Campbell was able to finish Cido Hoff with unanswered strikes. Campbell improves to 2-0 and looks to be a force at 135.

In what was a highly anticipated battle Sityodtong / North Shore BJJ competitor Tyson Chartier improved to a perfect 5-0 over highly regarded Mike Filiponi from AFAA who drops to 4-2, Tyson was able to score a rear naked choke in the 2nd to maintain his flawless record.
Next up Jerimiah Diruzzo another Team Redline representative improved to a perfect 2-0 when he finished Boyce Kaman with a guillotine choke.

In an epic 3 round war Dave LaChappelle from SSSF picked up the decision victory and the prestigious Carried Out Fight Gear “Fighter of the Night” award when he engaged in an absolute battle with NEMMA representative Erik Lee. LaChappelle fought through an early injury to walk away from the cage with an unbeaten record of 3-0.

In the second female fight of the night Trea Zelee from Doomsday MMA impressed everyone when she scored a viscous knockout over Neree Harrington midway through the first round. Trea kicks off her MMA career at 1-0 and is no doubt a force to be reckoned with at 145/Female.

In the 12th fight of the night, Dan Shields and Ricardo Georges entered the cage to do battle at 170. Late in the first round Shields found himself in a dangerous armbar but was able to survive. Seconds into the second Round Ricardo Georges, the muy thai specialist landed a viscous high kick that Shields took on the arm. Shields arm was broken on the blow but he continued to fight on through the second round. Shields was unable to fight in the third rounds and the fight was ended. Georges picks up his first win and added another victory on the night for Team Pradal- Serey.

At this point in the night the event could have ended and the sellout crowd would have gone home happy seeing an amazing night of mixed martial arts. However, Pete DiLorenzo and the AFO crew had other things in mind, at this point Last Man Standing had just begun!

In yet another 3 round war, Jeff Lynn from Dexter MMA picked up a decision win over previously undefeated Joe Pingtore from Team Rockstar.

Next up was another highly anticipated battle between South Shore Sport Fightings John DeRusha and Sityodtong’s Lewis Corapi. Both fighters entered the cage undefeated and from highly respected training camps. The fight lived up to the hype and was an exciting back and forth showcase. DeRusha was able to grind out the decision win and move up to 3-0. The fight had back and forth moments and both of these 155ers showed exceptional skill. A rematch down the line would be a “can’t miss” affair.

Tony Davy from Quincy, MA picked up another win with an impressive stoppage over the game Joey Clayton from Team United. The fight ended in the first and Davy improves to 3-2

We saw an impressive debut as newcomer Mike Zatek from Schneider MMA faced off against “Sloppy” Joe Lameroux from SSSF. The fight was back and forth and had a good mix of technicality and brawling. At the end of 3 rounds we went to the judge’s score cards. Zatek picked up the split decision victory and definitely impressed many in the crowd.

Knock Out of the night was awarded in the next bout, when one hammering right cross echoed through the arena. Leo Ikiki from Team Redline controlled most of the first round over Joe Powers from Dexter MMA. However Powers connected with the right and it was lights out for Ikiki in what was a highlight reel performance.

The Heavyweights were up next as Paul Barry from SSSF and Steve Skrzat from Fight Factory put on an impressive show. The crowd was unbelievably animated for this war and you could barely hear yourself think as the roof was completely blown off of Lombardo’s. Paul Barry found an opening and connected clean, rocking Skrzat, Paul followed things up with a barrage of blows and Steve began to back pedal fastly, Barry reigned in a few more blows as the referee stepped in to stop the fight with Steve still standing at 4:54 of round 1. Skrzat protested the stoppage

At this point in the show we could not ask for much more from the warriors of the AFO, and we still had three huge fights to come.

Kin “Kong” Moy and Mike Campanella was highly anticipated and both fighters came into the bout highly regarded. AFO Promoter Pete DiLorenzo was quoted on several radio shows saying that you do not want to go to the bathroom or even blink during this fight, and he could not have been more correct. Campanella started the fight with a takedown and controlled the action briefly on the ground, when the fighters returned to their feet Campanella landed some stiff body shots, but at the 1:41 mark Kin Moy unloaded an unbelievable head kick that sent Campanella crashing to the mat, the crowd was in stunned silence for a moment before exploding in a roar of cheers. Kin Moy from Team Redline improves to 3-0 and the very game Mike Campanella will return better than ever.

In the Co-Main event of the evening two of the area’s top wrestlers squared off as South Shore Sport Fighting’s Jeff Moore, a former wrestling coach, took on the previously undefeated Brian Marino. This fight went all three rounds and was a technical battle from the onset. Moore used his wrestling and Marino hung tough throughout the full 15 minute battle. Moore picked up the decision victory. We will definitely see both of these great competitors back in the future.

Finally, in our Main Event of the Evening, defending AFO Welterweight Champion Paddy “Thunder Kitten” Thompson took on BJJ ace Tim O’Connell. Paddy Thompson, who possess lightning speed and knockout power in both hands looked to keep things standing, but the fight hit the mat and O’Connell went right to work exhibiting his unbelievable jiu jitsu skills. O’Connell secured the back and got hooks in and immediately targeted Thompson’s neck, sinking in a rear naked choke and capturing his first Championship Title. Paddy Thompson, gracious in defeat strapped the title around O’Connell’s waist and raised his hands high as the crowd applauded both of these competitors and this amazing display of sportsmanship. Paddy is looking for the rematch and the fans in attendance and everyone who orders the dvd from afomma.com will be looking forward to that showdown.

As the night came to a close everyone in attendance knew that they had witnessed something special this evening, we saw a promotion rise to an expectation that they set for themselves and deliver a product unmatched in this area. Everyone looks forward to the return of the American Fighting Organization when they bring us “Night of Champions” in April.