REALITY FIGHTING VIDEO: Johnny Lopez vs. Tim Wheeler

REALITY FIGHT VIDEOS: Sarah Payant vs. Janice Meyer | Austin Schalla vs. Hector Ramos | Dan Dubuque vs. Evan Scott

REALITY FIGHTING VIDEOS: Terrell Clark vs. Jason Ward | Jessy Miele vs. Jamie Driver

REALITY FIGHTING NEW YEARS EVE BASH EVENT REVIEW 1/2/2016

The Boss, The Artist and I walked into Mohegan and quickly found our seats.  The fight card tonight is a mixed of amateur and professional fights.  Reality Fighting has once again put together an excellent card.  Kipp Kollar and his friends are shooting tshirts out into stands to the fight fans.  The refs are Kevin MacDonald, Brian Minor and Big Dan.  Many local fighter celebs are in attendance such as Matt Bessette, Joe Lauzon and Nick Newell.  The national anthem has been sung by Amber and the fights are about to start.

Tom Foley vs. Zack Watson

Tom starts us off with some kicks to the body.  These guys are swinging hard and Tom gets the takedown.  He is in half guard and has his legs tied up with Zack.  Tom gets loose and passes to full mount.  Due to CT rules they can’t punch to the head from the ground so not much action.

Foley 10-9

Rd 2:  Tom is getting in some kicks to the body and Zack is countering.  Tom goes for the double leg takedown and gets it.  He is at the side briefly and then passes to full mount.  Tom connects with a couple of punches to the body before the round ends.

Foley 10-9

Rd 3:  Tom gets the quick takedown.  Tom has the side and moves to half guard.  He moves to full mount.  He is working a submission and Zack turns and Tom takes his back.  He works the rear naked choke for the tap.

Tom Foley defeats Zack Watson via tapout to rear naked choke at  2:50 in Rd 3.

Will Smith vs. Luis Finateri

Both fighters are being cautious and trying to figure out their timing.  Pretty even exchange and they clinch.  Luis connects as they punch their way out.  Will gets the quick takedown as the round ends.

Real close round, I say 10-9 to Will due to the takedown

Rd 2:  Smith seems to be getting the better of the exchanges so far.  Luis looks for a takedown but is stuffed.  Will connects with a punch after a minute has passed.

Smith 10-9

Rd 3:  Both fighters are being cautious and not much action.  Will dives for a low takedown and gets it.  He is in guard trying to get his arms free to posture up.  Will moves to half guard and Luis gets a sweep.  Luis has Will up against the cage and gets in two knees to the thigh before the round ends.

Smith 10-9

Will Smith defeats Luis Finateri via unanimous decision.

Pat Casey vs. Diego Onishi

Casey gets the quick takedown and Diego gets up real quick.  Pat catches the leg and counters with a nasty right that sends Diego to the canvas.  Diego gets back to his feet and they are swinging away.   Casey connects with a combo that sends Diego to the mat and Kevin has seen enough.

Pat Casey defeats Diego Onishi via tko punches at 1:01 in Rd 1.

Giorgi Chilingarashvili vs. Mike Piacentini

Giorgi connects with a right and closes the distance.  Giorgi connects with a right that drops Mike hard and the ref stops the fight.

Giogi Chilingarashvili defeats Mike Piacentini via ko punch at 38 seconds in Rd 1.

Kipp gives a shoutout to the Mohegan Sun for the great job that they do.  Well said!

Evan Scott vs. Dan Dubuque

Evan connects with a kick to the body.  Both fighters are swinging and the crowd is getting into it.  Dan gets the takedown and is working the guard.  Evan is working an armbar but can’t get the finish.  Dan is on top in half gaurd and Evan gets the sweep.  Evan gets bucked off and dives back into the action.  He jumps onto Dan’s back but slips off and Dan is now in half guard.  Dan gets pushed off and he backs off and lets Evan up.  Evan connects with a pair of kicks as the round ends.

Dan 10-9

Rd 2:  Dan connects with a combo.  Dan is connecting with some big shots and Evan is starting to bleed.  Dan gets in two more big rights and Evan follows back with a kick.  Dan is winning the round with some excellent striking.  Evan slips with a kick and Dan lets him back up right near the end of the round.

Dan 10-9

Rd 3:  Dan starts us off with an outside leg kick.  They clinch for a bit and then break.  Both guys are swinging away and the crowd is loving it.  Awesome battle.

Dan Dubuque defeats Evan Scott via unanimous decision.

Morgan Dean vs. Holland Ahern

Morgan connects with a right that drops Holland.  He gets the stoppage.

Morgan Dean defeats Holland Ahern via ko at 12 seconds in Rd 1.

Andrew Lischke vs. Harris Bonfiglio

Andrew connects with a few punches and gets the take down.  Harris works his way up and Andrew gets him back to the mat.  Fight is back standing now and Andrew gets a slamming takedown.  

Lishke 10-9

Rd 2:  Andrew grabs the leg and wants the single leg.  He eventually gets it and is working in some ground and pound.  

Lishke 10-9

Rd 3: Lishke gets the slam and is in the guard.  Harris works his way up and Andrew gets him back to the mat.  

Andrew Lishke defeats Harris Bonfiglio via unanimous decision.  

Janice Meyer vs. Sarah Payant

(Rd. 1: Payant is the aggressor for the first three minutes.  Easily she’s ahead on the scorecard for the shear number of strikes landed and her ring control.  She and Janice lock horns and Janice forces Sarah onto the chain-link to stymie the onslaught.  Payant gives up the underhooks and is controlled along the fence until a snafu halts the action.  At the three minute mark the round is prematurely ended by the ringside time keeper.  Ref Miragliotta helps Ref. MacDonald communicate the issue to the fighters.  Payant’s corners are ushered out of the cage and the action is resumed.  Janice takes control in part 2 of Round 1.  She neutralizes Payant by smothering her into the cage and then into the mat.)  Janice clinches up against the cage.  Not much action and the 10 second bell sounds and Janice goes for a takedown.   Janice gets the takedown and controls the round on top.

Meyer 10-9

Rd 2:  Sarah gets the takedown  bit gets swept.  Sarah is looking for the armbar but cant quick get it free.  Sarah is looking for another armbar and cant get the finish.  They are back to their feet and  swinging away.  Sarah gets the takedown  and passes to full mount.  Sarah is cranking that arm again but cant get the tap! Wow!

Payant 10-9

Rd 3:  Janice is getting in some good combos up against the cage.  Sarah is diving for the takedown and Janice is defending it well.  Janice connects with a strike that sends Sarah to the mat.  Sarah connects with a clean right that hurts Janice.

Meyer 10-9

Janice Meyer defeats Sarah Payant via split decision.  Awesome battle.

Cody McMahon vs. Anthony Lauria

Cody gets Anthony to the mat.  Anthony works his way up and connects with a knee to the body.  They both fall to the mat and after a battle Anthony is on top firing punches to the back.  Cody controls the rest of the round in the top position.

McMahon 10-9

Rd 2:  They are both swinging for the fences to start the round.  Cody takes the back and sinks in the rear naked choke and Anthony goes out.

Cody McMahon defeats Anthony Lauria via technical submission to rear naked choke at 36 seconds in Rd 2.

Austin Schalla vs. Hector Ramos

The fight starts out standing and Austin gets hit in the cup.  Fight resumes and Hector connects with some big punches and gets the takedown.  He is working the guard.  Austin threatens with a triangle and Hector slams him tot he mat and breaks the triangle.  Austin tries for an armbar but Hector rips his arm free and they are back standing.  Hector gets the takedown and Austin threatens with a guillotine as the round ends.

Ramos 10-9

Rd 2:  They are swinging hard again and Hector presses Austin up against the cage.  They break and are swinging away again until Ramos gets another takedown.  Austin is threatening with a guillotine again as the round ends.

Ramos 10-9

Rd 3:  Austin is getting in some good striking this round.  Hector goes in for a takedown and Austin sinks in a guillotine for the tap.

Austin Schalla defeats Hector Ramos via tapout to guillotine at 1:08 in Rd 3.

Exhibition Grappling Match

William Knight wins a grappling match against Cory Saxor via americana.

Tim Wheeler vs. Johnny Lopez
  Johnny gets the takedown and he works an americana for the tap.

Johnny Lopez defeats Tim Wheeler via tapout to americana at 1:37 in Rd 1.

Jamie Driver vs. Jessy Miele

Jamie misses with a kick and gets back up from the mat after the slip.  Jessy gets the takedown and is in half guard.  Jessy is threatening with the americana but Jamie is too strong.  Jamie is trying to get back up and Jessy takes her back.  Jessy can’t quite get it under the chin deep enough to get the finish.

Miele 10-9

Rd 2:  Jamie connects with a kick to the body and Jessy closes the distance.  Jamie trips Jessy and they go to the mat.  Jessy has her back and has lots of time.  She sinks it under and flattens her out.

Jessy Miele defeats Jamie Driver via tapout to rear naked choke at 2:01 in Rd 2.

Terrell Clark vs. Jason Ward
  

 

Terrell connects with a right that drops Jason.  He is looking to get the finish but Ward weathers the storm.   Clark slams Ward to the mat and they work their way back up.  Clark connects with a right hook that hits clean.  He works in two more unanswered punches and Big Dan has seen enough.

Terrell Clark defeats Jason Ward via ko at 2:07 in Rd 1.

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT:  Payant vs Meyer, awesome battle
KO/TKO OF THE NIGHT:  Clark’s KO win
SUB OF THE NIGHT: Johnny Lopez and his americana win.

Reality Fighting said they are planning to have another show in May or June so stay tuned on that one and they would like to have Jessy Miele fight for their first female belt.  Reality Fighting did an awesome job once again and the fight fans left with a smile on their face.  There were many close battles and some good finishes on the night which made for an exciting night.  I had a good time and as always it was worth the drive and an excellent way to kick off the year 2016 of mixed martial arts in New England.

Fight Week: Darryl Marcurele introduces Holland Ahern

New Year’s Eve is a pretty exciting time for most folks the world over, but for one man it’s much more than that.  Over the last week I’ve been contacting the many coaches and trainers I’m acquainted with in hopes of finding out details regarding their fighters that are slated to compete on Saturday night in the Mohegan Sun Arena for Reality Fighting’s New Years Bash 2016.
  I am fortunate to report that Darryl MarcAurele was one of those contacts that took the time to respond.  Over the course of an hour I learned several things about Strike Zone MMA, Holland, and most unexpectedly Darryl himself.

   Let’s talk about Hollad for a moment.  The debuting amateur fighter is coming in to the cage on ten days notice.  His teammate, Nick Rankin, was injured in practice and Holland described as a tough kid with 6 months training at Strike Zone and a mountain of potential stepped up to fill the spot. Holland, a former marine, has just returned from his second tour in the middle east in July of 2015.
  I didn’t bother asking about his background as it relates to mixed martial arts because in my mind I see the fight as the ultimate showcase where we all will get to see what he brings to the cage.  One thing to remember though is how Mohegan Sun Athletic Guidelines and Rules effect the matches of debuting amateur martial artists.  An additional restriction has been applied to anyone with an 0-0-0 record in a match and states that no strikes are permitted to the head of a downed combatant.  Most fights seem to lose their initial intensity once they hit the mat.  It’s an unfortunate necessity for the safety of the amateur which we hope can be shown to have long term benefits or else be struck from a future revision of the rules.  Maybe I’ll get a moment with Michael Mazzulli soon and he’ll give me some data that shows the need to enforce this and other rules that seemingly detract from the overall game of the fighters.
Holland is a 205er standing above the 6′ mark and like others from the Strike Zone camp will be athletic in build.  Strike Zone has been a tough nut to crack over the years.  My team and I at Ravenous MMA have squared off with their fighters over the last few years and across several local cages.  I know first hand that they come in to throw with bad intentions.  Winning/ losing fights in dramatic fashion is a core value to Darryl MarcAurele.  With the emphasis being on the wins of course.  Not unlike other clubs Strike Zone prepares it’s representatives in a variety of disciplines when it has the time and the need.  Sometimes though Darryl admits there just isn’t enough of either and then it’s straight to work cramming a specific skill to be instinctual and thus available at all times in an upcoming match.  In talking with MarcAurele it became abundantly clear that he is a gifted speaker.  I’m not on his team and yet I became swept up in his enthusiasm and upbeat attitude on the sport in general and how his fighters play it.   This is a regular thing you see.  Every time I speak with him I learn more about his motivators and ideals.  His longing to be in the cage again is a sore spot due to the fact that it’s medical intervention that keeps him sidelined.  Risking further injury and suffering comes a far second to the thrill and glory he’s known during his active days.  In spite of this he’s enduring and remaining firmly seated at the helm of the team, overseeing training first hand, and preparing the next generation of grapplers and fighters alike.  Fighters like Ahern.  Fighters willing to come into the cage and dish out a blistering beating from the word “go” to the point the ref pulls them off their adversary.
Catch the action live this Saturday in person or at home with GFL.tv’s live stream starting at 7pm.

Reality FC: New Years Bash 2016 Preview

One of the things I love about the sport of MMA is that there is no “season” which means there also is no “off season”.  The hungriest of the hungry look for any opportunity to get in the cage and improve their records.  One of New England’s elite promotions is the Reality Fighting Championship.  The promotion features Pro/Am cards each and every year since 2002.  To date there have been 52 cards with the upcoming event at Mohegan Sun Arena being the 53rd.  The New Years Bash has been a regular event since 2013 and featured the region’s top names and the promotion’s most gifted up and comers that have surged into the mainstream and the national spotlights in what many consider the next level promotions such as World Series of Fighting, Bellator, and the UFC.  

I imagine that taking a spot on this roster at this time of year has to be the most challenging of all both mentally and physically.  For many fighters it’s tough just to get in shape while working a 40+ hour work week or perhaps as a full time student with a course load big enough to burn out even the most dedicated student.  Add to that the holidays that could have gone really well, like mine, where you make it through a year and get to spend that all important time with family and friends.  So many though won’t have had that pleasure.  Some will be in agony over the loss of a loved one or have financial issues because not being the world champ yet is making them poor.  There are issues with food since Thanksgiving.  Perhaps the last time they ate something even remotely satisfying was at the bar-b-cue this past summer.  There are changes in moods, changes in nutrition, changes at home, at work, and in the gym that none of us can begin to imagine, but these hungry few move toward the cage hoping it’s their time and their chance to be seen, cheered for, and maybe even loved by a room full of expectant men, women, and children only wanting one thing and that’s C-A-R-N-A-G-E!  People will be judging them on appearance, on performance, and maybe even out of ignorance.  I hope to eliminate the former to a degree.  Before I go on with my brief teaser spotlighting each bout on the main card of 12 combatants I’d like to give you the details on the where, when, and how you can see these fights.
Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT is your destination
January 2nd (Saturday) 7pm
Doors open at 6pm
Tickets can be bought from any fighter on the card up until the day of weigh-ins usually.  Ideally this is how you want to get a seat.  The fighters are provided with a small cash commission for taking the role of ticket agent on for the last month.  Every penny earned is a good penny.
For those not fortunate enough to call even one of these fighters friend or acquaintance cam hit up the box office on fight night.
For those without the ability to be in Uncasville on the 2nd you can watch at home on the live stream provided by GFL.tv for about half the cost of the cheapest seat.  The view doesn’t get much better for the average Joe than that captured by the veteran production crew positioned above the top rail. (subject to availability)
Big thanks to matchmaker Joe Cuff and Promoter Kipp Kollar for bringing another terrific night of fights that will be unforgettable.  The perfect way to start an amazing year in MMA.  Thanks also to Tapology.com for being hands down the most user friendly MMA Statistics site on the web.

Main Card (Pro Bouts)

Jamie Driver vs. Jessy Miele  @ 145lbs Women

In the close knit world of women’s mma there aren’t many oponents to choose from and even fewer who rise out of the ammy ranks to become pro that you don’t end up rematching.  Jessy is a talented athlete and in this match up a relative veteran.  Jess is looking to get back to her winning ways and wash her last loss from the minds of the masses. 

As the out-of-towner, Driver, looks to close the gap between her wins and show New England proper what hard work and determination have given her since October.  The majority of Driver’s fights have gone the distance, unfortunately they haven’t been in her favor for all the effort.  Miele is a natural born finisher and in her combined Am/Pro record she’s gotten the “W” in 4 out of 6 victories via KO or Sub.  She’s seen two decisions so there aren’t any surprises in store for her fans where cardio is concerned.  The only question left to ask might be has Driver studied Miele enough to seek out the weak spots in a rather well rounded game.  Best of luck to both women and no matter what transpires we salute their courage and ferocity on Saturday.

Tim Wheeler vs. Johnny Lopez @ 135lbs Men

Here’s a fight that should attract a lot of attention and not all of it will be pleasant.  Johnny “Mr. Nice Guy” Lopez is keeping his fingers crossed that Wheeler doesn’t bail like he has in nearly all of his previously scheduled bouts.  The list of men he’s stood up on weigh-ins day is surprisingly long and yet he’s still getting the call to fight.  The phantom fighter has one pro win despite there being a clear absence of any ammy experience.  The idea that he could get lucky is about the only thing he can rely on.  Hypothetically on Saturday there will be two fighters in the cage who are looking to bring home a pay check and some invaluable experience.  One thing is certain Lopez will show up to do damage to the inexperienced and immature “professional” fighter who has a long road to travel if he expects to be a contender in the division.

Janice Meyer vs. Sarah Payant @ 130lbs Women

Payant Vs Meyer 2 should get your heart racing.  Two dynamic young women that nearly fought three rounds in their first match earlier this year.  Payant sunk the fight ending submission in during the final seconds of that match that took place in the CES MMA cage.  Payant brings the confidence of her victory into the Reality cage with her which could be the advantage she needs to keep Meyer hesitating and under pressure.  A steady worker from bell to bell, Meyer, has to step her game up this time around and earn her opponent’s respect without delay.  In her ammy career she has gone the distance to victory 3 out of 4 times, but the judges won’t be impressed much if she isn’t going for the kill.  She won’t be rewarded for merely surviving.  Her chin is suspect after her last match with Miele, she’s got to know that the Gladiator BJJ purple belt won’t hesitate to re-enact their first match, and if the opportunity presents itself, add some other unholy pain inducing tactics to further humiliate and torment her with in front of 2,000 bloodthirsty fans.

Terrell Clark vs. Jason Ward @ 185lbs Men

A match nearly three years in the making is finally taking place between one of Reality’s most employable fighters and one of New England’s rising stars.  Clark seemingly always a pro fighter has a sub .500 record, but no where near the amount of time in the cage as his foe.  Grabbing up two first round wins and one decision loss he actually has proved he belongs where he is, but I doubt he actually knows what he’s in for.  Ward is going to welcome him into his home with fire and bad intentions.  I imagine come fight night the crowd will do it’s best to remind Clark who’s house he’s entered.  Ward will be looking to turn this opportunity into the start of a win streak.  The fans are never upset with Ward after a loss because he comes to the fight for action and delivers.  A brawler at heart he’s been known to throw the submissions on those unlucky few he’s gotten his hands around.  Jason will stand and bang if he can so it’s up to these two men to show the crowd a fight to remember.  This might be my pick for fight of the night.  One thing I feel confident saying is that it won’t go the distance.  Neither man believes in leaving it to the judges to decide.

Evan Scott vs. Dan Dubuque @ 145lbs Men

Even Scott has been visiting the cage since 2010 enjoying the kind of amateur record I could only dream of.  A few bumps in the road once he entered the pro ranks have kept the Lauzon disciple from enjoying the kind of acclaim that seems would fit him at this stage.  He’s been matched up with Dan Dubuque who is arguably the most resilient fighter in New England.  Dan doesn’t quit.  He doesn’t know that word or it’s meaning.  A veteran of 8 matches in total over both his amateur and pro career to date he has never finished a fight and never been finished.  So how does this match look to me?  Well, I don’t think Scott will break any records for fastest KO or trick Dan into submission, but he may still end up with his hand raised at the end of the final round.  Dubuque could be ready to break from the norm, but we won’t know until the ref gives them the all clear to engage.  

Montoyia Swilling vs. Tyler Rose @ 170lbs Men

The main card kicks off with the return of Tyler Rose.  Rose was once hailed as a promising up and comer destined for the next level stages found in the cages of the UFC, Bellator, and XFC.   Unfortunately he came to a slow roll following his pro debut back in the summer of 2013.  There should be some excitement in this match though.  Swilling is searching for a much needed win to keep him from disappearing into obscurity just at the moment when his home state of NY is rallying to legalize the sport he’s given so much of his time and attention to.  One thing is clear he wants to keep Rose off his back or any limb for that matter.  Rose will undoubtedly look to pass through the reach and jam up the longer striker and seize whatever piece of anatomy he can apply his trade to.  

I’ll be updating this portion as I obtain the requisite info.  Many of the matches feature debuting amateurs with no backgrounds to base a preview off of.

Prelims (Am. Bouts)

Will Smith vs. Luis Finateri

Ed Nook vs. William Knight

Austin Schalla vs. Hector Ramos

Morgan Dean vs. Holland Ahern

Cody McMahon vs. Anthony Lauria

Andrew Lischke vs. Harris Bonfiglio

Tom Foley vs. Zack Watson

Pat Casey vs. Diego Onishi

Giorgi Chilingarashvili vs. Mike Piacentini

REALITY FIGHTING FIGHT VIDEO: Mike Piacentini vs Joe Albani

REALITY FIGHTING VIDEO: Jose Rivera vs. Chris Violette

REALITY FIGHTING FIGHT VIDEOS: Marisa Messer-Belenchia vs. Destiny Quinones | Corey Menafra vs. Kemran Lachinov

REALITY FIGHTING FIGHT VIDEOS: Dan Dubuque vs. Phil Doig

Part 1

Part 2