Eddie took some time to chat with me on the day before his big bout.

CCCW:  Hey Eddie, thanks for agreeing to this interview for us.

ES:  No problem, man.

CCCW:  So, since this is your first interview with CCCW, can you tell me a little bit about how you get into MMA and why you fight?

ES:  I wrestled for a while.  And, after wrestling I didn’t have any other way to compete.  So, I was looking for something.  Then, an opportunity came up to take a MMA fight – so I jumped at it.  I didn’t really train that much for that fight, but after that I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.

CCCW:  Cool.  How long ago was that.

ES:  About 3 years ago.

CCCW:  I’ve heard people using a nickname of “The Smashing Machine” for you.  And, it was pretty obvious how good of a fit that name was after watching your last fight where you ground and pounded your way to an impressive win at CCCW VII.  But, I am curious as to who gave you that nickname?

ES:  You know, I’m not really sure where it came from.  It just happened I guess.  That’s what everyone’s called me for the last couple of years.

CCCW:  I have to admit that it was a bit counter intuitive as I see you as a really gentle and more soft spoken kind of guy.  But, again, it was very evident that you can turn on that aggression when you want to when I saw you fight.

ES:  Yeah, I guess you can say that the “Smashing Machine” is kind of my alter ego (laughs).

CCCW:  I know that you have a very close relationship with your Head Coach Marc Fiore.  Can you tell me how you two met?

ES:  I was dating a girl who went to school near the HIT Squad.  So, I moved out here to be with her, but it didn’t work out.  However, I did meet Marc when I started training in MMA at the HIT Squad (Marc’s former gym).

I was always in his office, talking to him and annoying him.  After a while, we got to be pretty close.  So, when he moved out to Springfield to start Fiore MMA, he knew that I was kind of looking for where I wanted to make my next move.  And, he actually offered to let me come and live with him and his family and train here.

CCCW:  At Fiore MMA, many of the fighters are also trainers for the various classes. And, you’ve actually gained a reputation as one of the best trainers they have.  How did you come to develop this skill?

ES:  Training has been an interest of mine for a long time.  I actually opened up a personal training studio inNew York when I got out of school.  I also coached wrestling for a while.

But, I really felt like I’d rather compete while I’m young as opposed to training right now.  So, I’m more focused on fighting than I am on training.  I would say that I’m sure I’ll go back to working as a trainer full time after I’m done fighting.

Training is something I’ve been into since I was 13 or 14.  I always enjoyed helping other athletes achieve their goals, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.

CCCW:  This Friday you have a big fight.  It’s very unique, in that you’re fighting on 11-11-11, and obviously that it’s on Veteran’s Day.  So, there are many men who have served in the military on the card.  What can you tell me about your opponent?

ES:  I’m not really too sure, to be honest.  I know that my opponent is making his pro debut.  I usually don’t get too worried about what my opponent is going to do, but just try to focus on what I’m going to do in there.  That’s the only thing that I can control.  And, I feel pretty good about what I’m going to do in there.

CCCW:  Anything that you’d like to say to your friends and fans?

I’m just excited for the opportunity to represent Fiore MMA.  Marc has been a great friend to me, and I’m glad that we’ve had an opportunity to continue working together.  Also, thanks to all of  my training and sparring partners who have helped me prepare for this fight.

CCCW:  Cool.  Well, thanks again for your time, Eddie.  Good luck tomorrow night!

He caught Riley with a powerful punch which absolutely rocked the fellow former football player, and then pounced on him with strong ground and pound to put a very exciting end to their bout early in the 3rd.

Our congratulations go out to this CCCW veteran from Scottsville, IL who recently came under Fiore MMA  management.  More details to come on Cody’s next bout for ProElite on HDNet as details are available.  But, that was certainly the biggest win of Cody’s career – and a very exciting victory as well!

Full fight video is can currently be found on youtube at this link (not sure if it’ll stay up there or not):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUkzjdE6-0Q&feature=related

Below is a more detailed description of Cody’s bout from mmamania.com:

In the second Pro Elite hevyweight grand prix match up of the night, Cody Griffin faced off against Justyn Riley for the right to advance to the next round of the tournament.

For the first two rounds, this one was all Riley. For ten-plus minutes, Riley backed Griffin down, took him down and hung all over him, brutalizing him with ground and pound. At the end of the second round, Riley very nearly got the finish by way of a rear-naked choke.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Griffin isn’t good at a ton of things. “Quitting” appears to fall into that category.

Needing the finish, Griffin came out in the third looking to land a punch that would keep the fight from going to the scorecards of the judges. He was able to do just that.

Griffin was able to clip Riley with a straight punch to the face that wobbled him. Griffin wasted no time, using a flurry of punches to send his opponent to the ground. He instantly pounced on him, causing the referee to call a stop to the action at 0:32 of the third round.

The victory came by way of a TKO (strikes) as Griffin will move in grand prix bracket. Big win for Griffin. Fairly devastating loss for Riley who let this one slip away.

CHICAGO, Ill. (November 1, 2011) — Brian Foster has a message for the Bellator welterweight division and its champion Ben Askren:

“I’m coming.”

The former UFC fighter who won his last two fights in the UFC and who sports a 18-5 record as a welterweight has recently signed with Bellator Fighting Championships in a deal that adds another legitimate contender to Bellator’s already stacked welterweight division. Currently riding a four-fight win streak, including a TKO win over Forrest Petz and a submission victory against Matt Brown during his UFC run, Foster, who has finished all 18 of his career wins, is hitting his stride and has one thing on his mind.

“I’m getting that belt,” Foster said. “I want to fight the best. I want to fight Ben Askren and take home that belt. I ran through my last two opponents and I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m very happy to be a part of Bellator and I’m coming for the top spot.

The Springfield, Illinois fighter has never gone to a decision in his career. With 10 wins by submission and eight by TKO/KO, the exciting Foster should add another threat to an already stacked welterweight division. Despite a medical setback in his career, Foster says he’s now 100 percent healthy and ready to start on his road to the championship.

“I’ve been seen by two of the best doctors in the state, they’ve medically cleared me and I feel great,” Foster added. “I’m looking forward to facing Bellator’s best and becoming the next welterweight champion.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

No one maintains a perfect record for long in this game, and it’s no secret that fighting a wrestler with Division I credentials is always a tough match up.  Also, comfort can be found for the 23 year old UFC newcomer in the fact that a blueprint has been laid for areas of improvement before his next bout (which will also most likely be in the UFC).  Additionally, Joe Rogan was complimentary of DJ’s footwork, timing and punching repertoire.

For those interested in a blow-by-blow for this fight, I copied this one from MMAmania.

Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks

Round one: Starks takes the center of the cage and probes with a jab. Both men are hesitant early and Starks has landed a few right hands. Jacoby hits Starks with a right of his own. Starks tags Jacoby with a nice right hand that snaps his head back as both men continue to size each other up. Starks finds another home for the right hand and he’s not using his wrestling at all yet. Jacoby connects with a looping left as Starks is on the way in and Starks responds with a right to the body. Either man can win this round if they do something big in the last minute. Jacoby closes the distance and Starks drops for a takedown, advancing to half guard while Jacoby latches on a Kimura as the round ends. 10-9 Starks

Round two: Both men still a bit hesitant here. Jacoby lands a few jabs and throws a big spinning back kick but it misses. Starks opens up with some nice right hands, his reach is effective here and he has found a home for the right hand. Starks closes the distance and as he gets inside, Jacoby leaves an opening and gets taken down into full guard. Starks lays there for about 30 seconds and finally starts dropping some punches. Starks postures up and drops a few nice left hands. Jacoby isn’t offering much off his back here. Starks pins Jacoby’s hand behind his back and drops some right hands until the round ends. 10-9 Starks

Round three: Starks lunges in with a big right hand and eats a right from Jacoby. Jacoby needs to open up and get a finish here or he’s likely going to lose a decision. Jacoby throws a nice combination and lands a knee but Starks shoots in, turns the corner and takes Jacoby down again. Jacoby grabs an underhook but can’t pop up to his feet. Starks postures up and throws a couple nice right hands. Jacoby ties up both of Starks’ hands but Starks passes to side control. Jacoby attacks Starks’ left arm as he’s in half guard with a minute left in the fight. Starks drops a few right elbows to the body and Jacoby gives up on it with 45 seconds left. Jacoby is quickly running out of time here. Starks opens up with punches in the final 10 seconds of the bout and finishes strong. 10-9 Starks

Final result: Clifford Starks defeats Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

One does not need to grill Jacoby’s world renowned Head Coach, Marc Fiore, to know the strategy for this fight.  It couldn’t be more obvious.  He wants to use his height advantage, and keep Starks at the end of his strikes.  If Starks is able to successfully take Jacoby down, Dustin can certainly work off of his back (as proven by his triangle submission win).  But, there’s few men in the world who can stand and trade with Dustin when he works at his range.  And, there’s a body of evidence to prove that (which most people reading blog have laid witness to in person).

I would imagine that Clifford Starks is as good as anyone Dustin has faced.  And, if he is somewhat one dimensional as a wrestler, he’s only been able to get this far because he’s really an exceptional wrestler.  So, this will be a nice test for Jacoby.

At the end of the day, I feel confident that Jacoby’s reach advantage combined with excellent footwork and timing will be too much for Starks.  Dustin has very consistently performed well, due not only to his physical tool but also his mental stength, and I see him coming out with a win tonight.

Check here for details on how to watch the fight tonight.

Also, if you are interested in training where Dustin trains, check out Fiore MMA in Springfield, IL.  It’s absolutely open to those who are simply looking for a new and more interesting workout, or would just like to drop a few pounds, as well as competitive athletes.  All classes are coed, they offer free babysitting, and there is a children’s program for children 5 and up.  Get more information at their Grand Opening next Saturday, Nov. 5th from 10-2, or simply visit their website at www.fioremma.net

ProElite is running a special 8 man heavyweight tournament, and Cody was officially added to the card just this afternoon.  Our best wishes go out to Cody as he prepares an opportunity to jump into the MMA spotlight on HDNet.

Tickets for “ProElite 2:Big Guns” are on sale to the general public at the i wireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800)745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and www.proelite.com

Goto the UFC Facebook page and “Like” their page to gain free access to the preliminary fights for UFC 137.  You will need to have a Facebook page to watch the fights.

Please note that the preliminary fights start early at 4:50 Central Standard Time.  Don’t be late, as Dustin is the first scheduled fight of the night.

Also, you can catch the weigh ins for UFC 137 at 6pm CST tonight (Friday, 10/28).  If you have issues with this link, go to www.ufc.com.

I didn’t want to bother Dustin right now as he was traveling to Vegas today (Tuesday) and has been doing a myriad of other interviews.  So, instead, I thought I’d include a few links to some of the press attention he’s been receiving.

Jacoby Interview with MMA Mania

UFC 137 Undercard Preview

Jacoby Interview with MMA News

10 Questions with Dustin Jacoby

Jacoby Radio Interview (starts just after 46:00 mark)

Interview with Jacoby on UFC.com

Below is a picture of Dustin working the corner for training partner Brian Foster at CCCW 7 Oct. 15th, alongside Fiore MMA Coaches Marc Fiore and Rick Drago.  Brian will be returning the favor this Saturday in Vegas, along with Head Coach Marc Fiore and Dustin’s brother Darren – who has cornered him for all of his fights.

Follow this blog for more updates as we approach UFC 137 for Dustin, and I can tell you that there’s a LOT of other big news coming out for many of his Fiore MMA stable mates.  Check here and our Facebook page for ongoing updates.

According to the UFC website, and MMA Junkie, Fiore MMA fighter Dustin Jacoby will now be on the PPV card for his UFC debut against fellow slugger Brad Taveres at UFC 137.  Former main event Title Fight, GSP vs. Condit, is now canceled due to an injury GSP incurred while sparring.  So, Jacoby and Taveres will now benefit from the Champ’s misfortune.

Stay tuned for information on the best place to watch UFC 137 in Springfield.

The full UFC 137 card includes:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view)

• Nick Diaz vs. B.J. Penn
• Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione
• Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson
• Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop
• Dustin Jacoby vs. Brad Tavares

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)

• Donald Cerrone vs. Dennis Siver
• Tyson Griffin vs. Bart Palaszewski

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)

• Jeff Curran vs. Scott Jorgensen
• Eliot Marshall vs. Brandon Vera
• Danny Downes vs. Ramsey Nijem
• Chris Camozzi vs. Francis Carmont

Thanks to all of the fans who came out to the show, and the amateur and professional fighters who put their hearts and souls on the line for the fans entertainment.

Healthy crowd on hand tonight for what is probably the best fight card we’ve ever had.  Excited for a big night of fights.  The crowd is ready to go, and we’re prepared to start our amateur card right at 6 (a little early – but necessary to fit in the 13 total fights we have scheduled for tonight).

Josh Cummings (2-0) vs John Mayfield (1-0)

I apologize to Josh, John and those who wanted to read about your bout.  I had to take care of some issues in the back room, and was unable to make it up for the first round of the first bout (and it was done after that first round, which I missed).  In lieu of a written description, we have the following pictures of this bout:

The doctor stopped the fight in between round 1 and 2.

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Ronnie Chapman (7-4) vs. Ben Chesser (2-0)

Ben Chesser comes out and and is bouncing all over the cage.

Ronnie Chapman seems a bit more reserved and calm.

Rd 1

Big 1-2 from Chesser.  Kick from Ronnie right to the groin of Chesser.

Ref stops the action, and they are back after 1 minute.

Kick by Chesser.  Ronnie is crowding him, but Chesser is trying to keep him at the end of his strikes.  Nice, hard leg kicks by Chesser, and Ronnie goes for the take down.

Ronnie has him up against the cage, and he eventually gets the take down.  He’s in the full guard of Chesser, who is working the Guiletine.

It’s pretty tight, but Ronnie’s defending it well – and he’s out.

Some GNP (Ground and Pound) from the top by Ronnie.  But, not much damage is done.  And, Ronnie is on top for the last part of the round.  Overall, I’d still give the round to Chesser based on being the aggressor the majority of the round and landing more strikes.

Rd 2

Another strong leg kick by Chesser, and Ronnie goes for the take down.  Chesser almost defended it, then Ronnie picks him up and slams him hard to the ground.  Not a lot of action, then Ronnie lands some shots from the top.

Now, Ben is landing some good blows from the bottom.  There’s a bit of a scramble and Ben is working his way up, but Ronnie is doing a good job of keeping him down.

Now, Ben gets on top.  He’s trying to trap an arm, but loses it.  He is, however, maintaining side control.  And, now he does have an arm trapped.  He’s looking at the ref trying to get the fight stopped, but the shots aren’t that hard and Ronnie is still defending himself. The round finishes with Ben on top.  Close round, but I’d give that one to Chesser as well.

Rd 3

Going into the third round and there’s some nice appreciation from the crowd.  These guys are putting on a WAR.

Ronnie comes out the aggressor.  Now Benji answers with some combos of his own.  Ronnie goes for the single, and doesn’t’ get it.  Then, he Ronnie gets another big slam.  But , Benji has got him in another guilletine.

He’s hanging on to it, but Ronnie has his hips up to defend it and keep the pressure off of his neck.

Benji uses the headlock to roll up on top and get back to his feet.  Nice technique!

Now Ronnie comes in firing with punches and kicks.  Ronnie is definitely fighting with a sense of urgency, and he goes in and picks him up again – then slams him Matt Hughes Style.

Now Ronnie is on top, and he’s raining down some blows from the top. Benji is trying to work out of it, but Ronnie does a good job of staying on the top.  And, the round ends with Ronnie on top.  Ronnie landed more in the stand up that round and controlled the fight on the ground.  I’d give that round to Ronnie.

Result:  Ben Chesser wins by Split Decision

 ——————————————————————–

Quin Corbett vs. Jimmy Cresswell

Rd 1

Fred Marx (4-3) vs. Scott Ettling (6-1)

Nice reception for both fighters, especially Scott Ettling.  This fight was originally scheduled to be a title fight for the 145lb CCCW amateur belt, but Fred Marx did not make weight.  So, the title is not on the line tonight.  Fred Marx does look like the larger fighter too.

Rd 1

Kick to the body by Ettling.  Both fighters throw some blows which don’t quite land.

Fred lunges in with a punch and misses, and Ettling makes him pay with a counter punch.  Then Fred takes him down.  Ettling is trying to work his way back up to his feet, and he does.

Ettling has a guiletine choke on him, and he tries to sink it in while they are both standing – wrapping Marx into his guard.  Marx dorps him down to the ground, and Scott keeps trying to hang onto it.  But, then Marx gets out.

Now Scott gets on top.  There is some scrambling.  Ettling has Marx in a head lock, and lands a knee to the body.  Marx tries to take him down, Ettling reverses, and now Marx does get the take down.

Nice round!  I’d give that round to Ettling.  He landed more strikes, and cleaner strikes, and had a few submission attempts.  But, Marx was certainly competitive.

Rd 2

Both fighters are circling.  Leg kick from Ettling.  A weak jab from Ettling, and Marx makes him pay with a hard right hand counter!

Ettling goes for the single leg take down, and eventually he gets it.  He tries to mount, but doesn’t.  Marx has him in half guard, and then sweeps and gets on top.

Now Ettling sweeps Marx.  This is a close round.  Ettling is on top and raining down some blows.  Marx is trying to keep him off with is feet, and then Ettling lands in side control.  He’s going for the mount and Marx is turning.  Now Ettling has his back, but he’s high.  He might get bucked off.

But, he keeps his balance and lands a number of blows to the side of the head from behind.  Then, Marx is saved by the bell.  Another round for Ettling in my opinion.

Rd 3

Leg kick by Scott and Marx looks to counter again with the big right hand.  Neither quite lands.  Both fighters circling, and Marx throws two big haymakers.  Ettling ducks underneath and goes for the take down.  He gets it, and is in Marx half guard.

Marx starts working for a triangle choke, but Scott moves into side conrol.  Now Marx gets him back into half guard, and then Marx reverses and gets on top.

The round ends with Marx up on top.  That round might go to Marx, but it was close.

Result:  Scott Ettling by Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Dustin Lash vs. Tony Zucca

Big rematch tonight as Dustin Lash, who gave Zucca his only loss, takes on Tony Zucca for the CCCW 185 amateur belt.  Big reception for Zucca, who walks out with his belt and fellow training partners Dustin Jacoby and Brian Foster, as well as coach Rick Drago.

Rd 1

Zucca come right out and throws a punch to the face.  Lash landes a hard counter, and Zucca ties up.  They are in the clinch, and then Lash lands a hard knee to the groin.

Zucca is in significant pain, and the ref stops the action.  Zucca might need the whole 5 minutes here.  That was as gruesome of a reaction to groin shot as you will ever see.  Zucca is literally writhing in pain.  Hopefully he’s OK.

After just 2 minutes, Zucca is ready (he could have taken up to 5 minutes).  Now Lash is the aggressor.  Lash lands a hard right hand, and he drops Zucca.  Zucca gets back up, and now they are trading blows.  Holy shit.  Both fighters are swinging hard leather.  Looks like Lash is getting the better of it.

Lash is using his height well, but Zucca has a lot of fight left in him.  Now Zucca lands some hard blows.  Then, Zucca grabs Lash’s neck, and Lash goes down to his knees.  Dustin may have been really hurt by one of those punches.  Zucca transitions to his back.  Lash rolls around from his stomach to be on his back, and now Tony is in the mount.

Zucca is raining down punches, and Lash is trying to buck him off.  But, Zucca is keeping his balance and maintaining a steady stream of strikes from the top.  This fight might get stopped, and it is.

WOW! Big come back win for Tony Zucca!

Now beginning the professional portion of our card.

—————————————————————————–

Jason Mills (228) vs Eddie Smith (225)

Eddie Smith comes out to Johnny Cash with Coaches Marc Fiore and Rick Drago.  Eddie is clearly the hometown favorite as Mills has traveled in fromWisconsin(and actually took this fight on short notice).

Rd 1

Both fighters looking for their range, and then Eddie gets a take down.  Jason is on his back, but Eddie is not letting him up.  Now he comes back in, and works to posture up.  Mills seems to be looking for a submission – moving his hips up.  But, he’s taking some punishment from Smith who is landing a lot of shots and doing some damage.  Mills is bleeding, and not able to effectively stop Smith from landing shots.

Now Eddie has his back, but Mills gets back up and Eddie has him up against the cage.  They switch positions and Mills has Eddie up against the cage.  And, now Eddie gets another take down.  But, this time he lands in the full guard of Mills.  Mills is trying to land some shots off of his back, but nothing with much force.  Eddie lands some shots to the body from the guard of Mills.

And, the round ends with Ed Smith on top in Mills guard.  I’d definitely give that round to Eddie Smith.

Rd 2

Mills throws a kick, and Eddie catches it and goes for the take down.  And, he gets it, but lands in Mills guard after a small scramble.

Mills is doing a decent job of trying to stop Eddie attack from the top, but Eddie is definitely controlling this fight.  He’s landing a lot of small hammer fists to the face of Jason Mills, which is very red.

Eddie is now transitioning to the back, and landing some harder shots now.  I’m not sure how much of this Mills can take.

Jason is working to get back up, but Smith won’t let him.

Now, Eddie has him in the mount.  Mills is trying to hold him close, but he’s in serious trouble.  And, the referee stops the fight.  Dominate win for Eddie Smith.

 —————————————————————————————————-

Quinton McCottrell vs Darren Jacoby

Quinton comes out with some type of mask over his face.  Darren Jacoby is the crowd favorite here and has a loud reception as he walks out with his brother, Dustin Jacoby, fellow training partner Brandon Wood, and coaches Marc Fiore & Rick Drago.

Rd 1

Leg kick by Darren.  Few punches from Darren which do not find the mark.  Quinton throws a punch, and a nice counter by Jacoby.  Leg kick by Jacoby and Quinton catches it.  Now, they clinch up against the cage.  Quinton is working for the take down.

McCottrell starts to get Darren down, and then Jacoby comes back up.  Now, he’s landing some strikes against the cage.  A BIG left hand lands from Jacoby and Quinton falls flat!  Looked like Quinton might have been out, but he sprang back up quickly once he hit the ground – getting back to his feet before Darren could get on top of him..

Quinton is back up, but he must be hurt.  Quinton works the take down, but a nice sprawl from Jacoby.  Now Darren is working to get his back and landing some small shots from behind.

They work back up to their feet, and now McCottrell has Darren up against the cage.

Darren lands some small shots, but then McCottrell picks him up and takes him down.

Daren is working back up, but now McCottrell gets his back, but he’s high.  Quiton is doing a good job of hanging on, though.  And, it appears his sinking in the rear naked choke.

Jacoby could be in trouble.  And, Quinton has that in tight.  Now, Jacoby is tapping.  Darren had him hurt, but a big come back win for Quinton McCottrell.

Result:  Quinton McCottrell via submission (rear naked choke)

———————————————————-

Nic Anderson vs Jake Bell

Nic comes out first and is jumping around the cage.  Big reception for Jake Bell, who has aLOTof fans in the house.

Rd 1

Leg kick by bell.  And, Nic gets the take down and lands in the guard ofBell.

Nic is keeping the top position, althoughBellis trying work his way out.  Now Nic lands in side control, but he hasn’t been able to do much damage yet.  There is a little bit of blood, which appears to be coming from a small cut onAnderson.

Nic is controlling this round as Jake is unable to get up.  Nic is attempting to trap an arm, and now Jake reverses (much to the pleasure of the crowd).

There’s a scramble, and now Jake is in the full mount, but Nic is able to sweep him and get back on top.  Nic is posturing up, but hasn’t landed anything significant from the top yet. He is, however, controlling the round.

As the round ends, Jake begins working an arm triangle choke, but Nic gives the thumbs up to show he’s OK.  I’d give that round to Nic.

Rd 2

They exchange some punches, and then it goes to the ground.  Jake was on top, but Nic quickly reverses and takes the top position.  Nic is landing some short elbows from the top.

Jake works for an arm bar from the bottom, and Nic lifts him up off the ground and then gets out of it.  Jake is moving his hips up again and trying to work a submission, but Nic isn’t letting him have anything.  Jake is able to keep Nic from doing much damage from the top by holding him close, and they get stood up.

Superman punch from Jake misses the mark, but Jake gets Nic up against the cage.  Now Nic has Jake against the cage.  Wild swing by Nic misses, and they are both looking to exchange.

A couple of kicks by Jake.  They clinch up, and Jake throws an uppercut which doesn’t quite land clean.  Nic returns some fire, and they go back to the ground.  But, Jake is on top this time.  The round ends with Jake on top.  That was a close round and tough to call.  The winner of the 3^rd round might take it (if there’s not a finish).

Rd 3

Jake come in with a punch, but Nic wraps him up and pins him against the cage.  Some knees now from Nic, but Jake gets him off balance and takes him down to the ground withBelllanding in the top position.  He has a mount, but Nic is on his side.  Jake’s corner is calling for elbows.

There’s a scramble, and they get back to their feet.  They exchange some strikes, butBelllooks really tired and Nic seems to have a little more left.  But, now Jake gets a hold of his back and gets a strong take down – landing in side control.  Now, Jake is in the full mount. Now, he has Nic’s back with over 2 minutes left in the round.

And, he sinks in the rear naked choke.  Big submission win for Jake Bell.  I would say a decision could have gone either way.  Big victory for Jake Bell!

Result:  Jake Bell via Submission (rear naked choke) in Rd 3

Wade Choate vs. Justin Robbins

Wade comes out and looks ready.  Justin Robbins comes out to some club music, and the crowd is getting pretty rowdy.  Choate has a bit of a size advantage over Robbins, but it sounds like Justin has the crowd on his side.

Rd 1

Choate comes out in southpaw stance and is the aggressor.  Leg kick by Justin, answer by Choate.  Couple right hands by Justin miss the mark.  2-3 combo by Justin a little off the mark.  Both fighters looking to find their range.

Left hook lands from Choate, but not real hard.  Big swing by Justin misses.

Both fighters exchange leg kicks.  Justin lands a right hand.

Hard right to the body by Justin, and both fighter are starting to find their distance.  Chaote land s a jab.  Leg kick lands for Justin.

Nice 1-2-3 combination from Choate, but they are all essentially blocked by Justin.

High kick from Justin is blocked.  Choate shoots, which is stuffed – and Justin almost lands a BIG uppercut (which gets a reaction from the crowd).

Then, Choate lands a nice punch which knocks Robbins back, but he quickly gets up and waives on Choate to tell him he wants more as the round ends.  That was a close round and tough to call.

Rd 2

Justin is working his jab, but not landing.  Now Choate throwing the jab, which Dustin is ducking under and stepping to the side.  Now, he’s ducking and trying to land a counter.  But, hasn’t quite found the mark with those yet.

Choate lands a jab.  Leg kick by just as Choate lands another jab.

They go to the ground, and then Justin lets him get back up.

Justin ducks in for a take down and he gets it.  But, on the ground Choate quickly sinks in a guillotine choke and it is deep.  Robbins taps and it’s over.  That was an impressive performance for Wade Choate.  It was pretty even on the fight, but then he got the submission win over a good BJJ practitioner.

Result:  Wade Choate wins via Submission (guilletine) in Rd 2

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Brian Geraghty vs Chris Tickle

Brian Geraghty is an alum from UFC’s TUF reality show.  Chris “Bad Boy” Tickle is being walked out by Cortez “Hollywood” Coleman as well as coaches Marc Fiore and Rick Drago.  Both fighters look very relaxed.

Rd 1

Hard leg kick by Tickle, and another and a third.  Brian catches this one and tries to take him down.  Geraghty goes for another take down, but it’s stuffed by Tickle.

Two more hard leg kicks by Tickle.  These kicks are fierce!

Geraghty comes in with some punches.  Tickle is looking relaxed in the cage and is throwing HARD strikes.

1-2 by Tickle, but Geraghty goes underneath and gets the take down.

Geraghty is on top and throwing some short shots, but Chris is also throwing some elbows from the bottom.

Chris is tyring to use the butterfly guard to push Brian off and get up, but Geraghty maintains his top position.

The round ends with Brian on top.  I would still give the round to Tickle based on landing more strikes and generally being the aggressor.

Rd 2

They are circling.  Jab by Tickle and a counter by Brian.  Niethe rreally lands cleanly.

Tickle is putting his hands out an dtring to draw Brian in.

Another nice leg kick by Tickle.  Jab find a home for Brian.

Jab knocks Brian off blanace.  Another hard leg kick by Chris.

Both fighter are exchaning punches – typically one at a time right now.  Sinlutanesouly landing some jabs.

Chris is wading in and looking to engage, and Brian is obliging him.  Now, Brian goes for the take down and gets it.

Chris is able to take the top position, and he’s doing some damage from Brian’s guard.  Body-body-head type blows.

And, the round ends with Chris Tickle on top.  That round was close as well.  I’d give that round to Tickle, but it could have gone either way.

Rd 3

Both fighters come out exchanging strikes.  This is an exciting fight.

Tickles goes in for  atake down, but Brian stuff it.  Tickle is landing some jabs, but Brian keeps coming forward dna dis landing some strikes of his own.  This is a very evenly matched fights.

Now Brian goes in for the take down and he gets it.  He’s in the half guard of tickle.  Brian moves to side control, and then Tickle scrambles and gets out.

They get to their feet, and then Brian goes for another take down right away.  But, then Tickle gets his back.  He’s working for a rear naked choke, but Brian is defending well.  30 seconds lef in the fight.  Tickle is dominating from this position, but can’t quite sink the choke.

I’d definitely give that round to Tickle.
Result:  Chris “Bad Boy” Tickle wins via unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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Cody Griffin vs Bobby “Zombie” Brents

Cody Griffin walks out to “I  will Survive” which I believe is by Gloria Gainger.  I laughed, but it was the oddest walkout song I’ve ever heard.  Conversely, Bobby Brents walks out to a hard core rap song which is being sung live by an impressive duo.  I thought it was a recording, but then relized these guys were wrapping on a microphone.  It sounds awesome, and the crowd is going NUTS!

Rd 1

Brents come out the aggressor.  Kick by Griffin is caught and Bobby is on top of him.  He has an arm trapped and is dropping some heavy strikes to the body.

Now some short elbows from Bobby out of Griffin’s half guard.  Brents came out and just started dominating this fight!

Cody is looking to scrambe to his feet, and almost gives up his back.  Now, Griffin is up and has his back against the cage.  But, he has to eat a couple of knees from Brents to get there.

They separate and are circling  Brents gets him back up against he cage and lands some short blows.

I’d definitely give that round to Bobby Brents.

Rd 2

Bobby take sth ecetner of the cage.  Quick bombo by Cody.  Brents gets up in against the cage and lands a nice knee, but Cody counters with a hard hook.  Bobby gets a leg and bring it up high, and then gets the take down.

Bobby is up on top inside Cody’s half guard.  Short elbows from Brents from the top.  Now Cody turns nad Boby has his back.  Brents works for a side choke, but Cody works his way out and gets to his feet where Brents still has him pinned against the cage.

They are up aginst the cage for a while, and the ref separtes them.  Brents slowly wades in and then throws a right hand which leads to him pinning Cody against the cage.  Some more knees from Brents.

There’s some blood on the nose of Brents, but nothing too major.  And, the round ends with Brents pinning Cody up against the cage and nullifying him.

I’d definitely give that round to Brents as well.

Rd 3

Some leg kicks from Cody as he moves away from Brents.  A nice combo from Cody and second strike find a home.  Then a nice leg kick from Brents.

Cody rushes in with some strikes, but they don’t land and Brents ties him up against the cage.

They separate, and Bobby lands some more leg kick.  High kick from Griffin, but it misses and he slips.  Bobby jumps on top and is dropping down some strikes.  He’s maintaining a dominate position and throwing punishing shots from the top as the round ends.

And, now for our Main Event….

LaVerne Clark vs. Brian Foster

LaVerne Clark walks out with a large entourage.

Brian Foster is taking off his gear as he is walking to the cage.  I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen anyone more anxious to fight.

Rd 1

Big swing by LaVerne is off the mark.  They are in the clinch and Foser lands some knees.    They are scambling – Foster used an arm hold to reverse.  Now LaVerne is on top.  But Foster scrambles out of a bad position.

Some more scrambling with strikes.

Now Foster is sinking a guillotine, but LaVerne pops out.

Now LaVerne is on top, but he’s not doing any  damage.  Foster is holding him close, and now looking to work his way up along the cage.  Brian starts working for a kimora.

And, now he’s turning it into an arm bar, but LaVerne is defending.   But, Foster has him turned around and he’s hanging on to that arm.  And, there’s the tap.

A very impressive win for Brian Foster!  That was hard to really explain well, because the transitions were all happening so fast.  But, Foster really showed off his grappling tonight.  I honestly didn’t realize how skilled he was on the ground (although we got a glimpse of it when he slapped that quick guillotine on Matt Brown – and he did when his last fight by submission as well.

Result:  Submission victory (arm bar) for Brian Foster at 2:31 of Rd 1

A big win for Brian Foster who makes it 4 straight.  After the fight, when given the opportunity to speak on the microphone, Foster thanked LaVerne Clark for taking the fight – stating, “Not a lot of people would be willing to fight me right now.  And, I respect that.”  Additionally, he announced, “I just want my spot back.  And, I’ll fight anybody to get it,” clearly referring to his spot in the UFC where he was coming off of 2 straight wins before being medically released.