LFC 26 -- "Proving Grounds"

---

Story and video by Fightjunky and Navitas

Following in the footsteps of LFC 25 and its now infamous double knockout, Legends of Fighting returned to a sold-out 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis for LFC 26 -- "Proving Grounds". While there would be no repeat of that one-in-a-million moment, some of the best local talent was on display in a card loaded with great fighters showcasing their skills.

Also, co-reporting for Pro Elite for the first time (and shooting some of the video) is Navitas, who is very familiar with the LFC and many of the fighters. In the past few LFC events 8 Seconds Saloon has had more cameras put in, more security, and even a few more police officers on duty. Because of these measures, despite a few close calls, thankfully there were no fights started in the crowd.

Fighter records are listed as they were available in online databases or elsewhere. Video links are provided for most of the fights below the summaries.

Fight 1 -- Zach Huggins vs. Cody Abercrombie (1-1)

This fight was a good preview of what was to come for the rest of the amateur bouts. Both Zach and Cody seemed in the beginning to be pretty evenly matched, with a good trade of both strikes and kicks. Cody shot into Zach with a nice takedown, but failed to keep his head on the inside. Zach was able to catch Cody's head and sink in a guillotine to end the match. Zach Huggins wins by submission (guillotine) 1:26 into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 2 -- Darren Smith (4-1) vs. Dwayne Detty (1-1)

This was a superheavyweight rematch. Darren blitzed through Dwayne in just 25 seconds in their first meeting, and did the same in only slightly longer time in the rematch. After a clinch against the cage, Darren pinned Dwayne against the cage and worked him to the ground. From there Darren gained mount and rained down strikes. Dwayne could not take it and was forced to tap. Darren Smith wins by submission (strikes) 0:56 into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 3 -- Dwayne "The Sadistic Spider" Davis (0-1) vs. Brett Stott

The fight started out with Dwayne throwing a barrage of haymakers but failing to do any damage to Brett. Brett who kept his cool pulled guard on Dwayne and tried to control Dwayne from there, but as soon as both fighters got up, Dwayne slammed Brett hard onto the mat, got back mount and started to work on the rear naked choke. Brett did a great job trying to defend the choke but in the long run was not able to break free and had to tap. For the match being only 1:10 the pace never slowed and both fighters put on a good show. Dwayne Davis wins by submission (rear naked choke) 1:10 into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 4 -- Richie Ortega (3-1) vs. Justin Overby

Justin controlled this fight from start to finish. After taking down Richie, Justin worked out of Richie's half-guard into full mount and started raining down punishment. When Richie rolled to avoid it, Justin sunk his leg hooks and patiently worked strikes to Richie's head to finish him. Justin Overby wins by submission (strikes) 1:45 into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 5 -- Kevin "Renegade" Cousins (0-0) vs. Josh Flowers (1-1)

From the beginning of the first round Josh established dominance, by not only landing a good kick but also taking down Kevin and working a guillotine attempt on him. Once Kevin got out, he got some good punches on Josh before he was able to not only get out and stand up, but to also throw Kevin into the ground. The round finished with both fighters working their BJJ skills. Unfortunately Josh Flowers was unable to respond to the bell for the second round. He had injured his knee and ended up being assisted out of the ring. Kevin Cousins wins due to injury to the knee.

Video: Entire fight

There was a brief intermission for the pillow fights to take place, which produced a divergence of opinion between Navitas, a skilled female grappler, and Fightjunky, a slack-jawed male spectator. Navitas critiqued the lack of grappling skills the girls had, and was trying to figure out what the big deal was. Fightjunky, on the other hand, had absolutely no problem with the action.

Fight 6 -- Pete Dominguez (4-1) vs. Chris Franks (1-0)

The fighters circled to start the fight, with Chris landing a couple good counterpunches and eventually a solid knee. From there Chris gained a takedown and looked for a guillotine unsuccessfully. After the fight returned to standup, Chris teed off, and followed Pete to the mat in dominant north-south position. Chris let him up and landed another big shot before going back to the ground. Chris deftly reversed his full guard into full mount on Pete. When Pete rolled, Chris took back control and sunk a rear naked choke. Chris Franks wins by submission (rear naked choke) 3:27 into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 7 -- James "Haystack" Simon (2-0) vs. Doug Sparks (9-1)

This was probably our favorite fight of the night. At first we were a little wary when Doug entered the ring wearing a pair of boxers to fight in, and we were honestly afraid that we were going to get more of a show than we had bargained for. James started out the fight with a great punch that caught Doug off guard. But as Doug move away he sat purposely on the mat and started trying to pull James to the ground. James let Doug stand up and then they both started again. These fighters were polar opposites which made the fight well worth watching. James would focus on the striking and trying to dominate standing whereas every chance Doug got, he brought the fight to the ground and not only took showed some impressive ground and pound, but also his varying knowledge of Brazilian jiu jitsu. This match went into the final round, and it seemed to take a lot of energy out of both fighters. Doug had the stamina and was able to put James in a kimura and finish it off. Doug Sparks wins by kimura 0:55 into the third round.

Video: Round 1 Round 2 Round 3

Fight 8 -- Jimmy Jenkins vs. Chris Hanny

This fight was a little hard to figure. After the first half of the first round was spent in a clinch against the cage, Chris eventually gained a takedown to rear side control, but seemed to have no idea how to finish from there. Jimmy rode out the first round in inferior position but unthreatened. The second round began much like the first. After a clinch against the cage, the fight went to the ground with Chris briefly attempting a keylock. Jimmy avoided the hold and eventually reversed nicely out of Chris's side control. From there Jimmy finished Chris off brutally with strikes. Jimmy Jenkins wins by TKO 2:12 into the second round.

Fight 9 -- Darnell Davis vs. Jim Ramsey

Jim attempted to strike first with an impressive kick, but Darnell was able to catch the leg and he nearly took Jim down with it. After the trip up Jim never really seemed to regain much of any dominance. Darnell controlled the match with a great show of ground and pound. After the end of the first round Jim threw in the towel and refused to fight. Darnell Davis wins by submission (throws in towel) after the first round.

Fight 10 -- Scott "Ghetto Blaster" Tuggle (5-3) vs. Tom Osborne (16-3)

A good, technical ground fight from start to finish. In the first, Tom shot into Scott's guard. For the remainder of the round Scott worked to set up a variety of armlocks, all of which Tom defended excellently. In the second, Tom landed a glancing spinning backfist, and the fight went to the ground, this time with Scott in Tom's guard. Unlike his opponent, Scott ultimately was unable to fend off the submission, as Tom forced him to tap out to a guillotine choke. Tom Osborne wins by submission (guillotine choke) 1:35 into the second round.

Video: Round 1 Round 2

Fight 11 -- Jeremy Ashley (6-4) vs. Matt Page (7-14)

This was one of those very one-sided fights. The bell rang, Jeremy and Matt touched gloves, and then Jeremy made it a quick match. Jeremy struck first and never let up, landing multiple punches, and a few good knees before knocking his opponent out. Jeremy Ashley wins by KO 0:18 seconds into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 12 -- Orville Smith (10-0) vs. Ryan McIntosh (3-3)

Orville Smith continued his undefeated career by plowing through a hyped-up but overmatched Ryan McIntosh. The fight opened with Ryan missing a spinning back fist and high kick. After a clinch against the cage, Orville gained a takedown into Ryan's guard and stacked him up against the cage, pinning Ryan's head down under Orville's leg. In a helpless position, Ryan had no defense for Orville's strikes and desperately tapped out. Orville Smith wins by submission (strikes) 1:23 into the first round.

Video: Entire fight

Fight 13 -- Kyle Gibbons (14-2) vs. Tyler Bryan (1-0-1)

Although Tyler Bryan has had his 15 minutes of Internet glory, as one-half of the infamous double knockout from the last card, he was completely overmatched by Kyle Gibbons in this fight. Kyle landed a harsh leg kick, then worked Tyler to the ground with a bulldog headlock. From there Kyle obliterated Tyler mercilessly. Much like Johnny Rees and Jake O'Brien, two local fighters who are now in the UFC (and will be fighting on the UFC Fight Night card this Saturday), Kyle Gibbons seems destined to move to the next level very soon. Kyle Gibbons wins by first round submission (strikes).

Video: Entire fight

Fight 14 -- Dustin Rees (7-1) vs. Shaun Parker (3-6-1)

As the other half of the double knockout fight, Shaun Parker represented somewhat better in his co-headline fight, but still came out on the losing end. Dustin and Shaun fought a very close first round, with Shaun getting the better takedowns but Dustin coming the closest to gaining a submission. In the second round, Dustin missed with a punch and Shaun took back control while still in the standing position. Dustin kept hold of one of Shaun's arms though, and was able to reverse for a takedown. From there Dustin took rear side control and Shaun offered no intelligent defense for the punishing strikes Dustin was unloading on him, forcing the ref to show mercy. Dustin Rees wins by TKO 1:45 into the second round.

Video: Round 1(first part) Round 1 (second part) Round 2

Soon after the thunder of practice laps for the Indy 500 subsided Friday night at the nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the thunder of LFC 25 "Breaking Point" arose at 8 Seconds Saloon on Indianapolis's westside. This is the first LFC event following a full-scale crowd riot that broke out at the last event in March. Extra security was on hand tonight and, although the fights once again brought down the house, this time it was for all the right reasons. There were several outstanding fights including what was, quite simply, the most showstopping finish I have ever personally witnessed and easily a lead candidate for fight of the year in central Indiana. (And yes, there is video).


Fight 1 – Pete Dominguez (3-1) vs. Casey Large (1-0)
Dominguez opened the action with a big takedown to side control and started to soften up his opponent with body punches. From there Dominguez transitioned to full mount and started to rain bombs on Large, who tried to bridge out of the inferior position but could not. From there Dominguez maintained the punishment from full mount until the ref showed mercy. Dominguez wins by TKO 2:05 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 2 – Zach Konkle (1-3) vs. Josh Brannom (1-0)
Konkle landed a shot to open, but Brannom regrouped. As they grappled near the cage, Brannom secured an arm drag takedown that dislocated Konkle's shoulder. The fight was over and Konkle was in severe pain. Brannom wins by submission (shoulder dislocation) :24 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 3 – Richie Ortega (2-1) vs. Spencer Johnson (1-0)
This fight saw a lot of back-and-forth action that ended up in a close unanimous decision. In the first round, Johnson ultimately got the better of several takedowns and reversals, looking for but unable to sink a rear naked choke toward the end of the round, which ended in an odd exchange after the ref didn't hear the bell for some reason. The second round was fought very closely, with several more sequences of takedown and reversal. The fighters looked a little gassed in the third round, with Ortega generally getting the better of things until the last 10 seconds of the fight, which ended in a flurry for Johnson that proved, ever so slightly, too little too late. Ortega wins by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Fight 4 – Justin Allen (8-1) vs. Brandon Norris (1-0)
Hard to know what to make of this fight. The first and only minute of the fight saw almost no action until Allen caught Norris with a body shot that dropped him for good. The shot didn't seem particularly damaging, and after the fight, Allen said that he thought Norris was just scared. Allen wins by KO :58 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 5 – James Lowery (0-1) vs. Josh Flowers (0-1)
Lowery missed with a big roundhouse kick to open the fight, and Flowers shot for the takedown. After Lowery reversed and stood up, Flowers got another takedown into Lowery's half guard. The ref restarted after there was no advancement of position. Lowery stuffed a takedown attempt and landed a shot that momentarily stunned Flowers. Flowers briefly reversed the clinch against the cage, but Lowery got a takedown to side control as Flowers turtled up. Flowers eventually managed to get to his feet at the end of the round. In the second, Flowers set up a beautiful standing arm triangle against the cage and pulled back for the takedown. Lowery broke the hold and worked out to half guard, landing a few shots in the process. Flowers worked to side control and landed some knees, then eventually sunk in a fight finishing guillotine choke. Flowers wins by submission (guillotine choke) 2:48 into the second round.
Video: Round 1 Round 2

During the first intermission, UFC standout Shonie Carter, the night's special guest referee, announced and commentated some exhibition female grappling and pillowfighting. Meanwhile, I spent some time with longtime underground fighter Bruce Pettis and his wife. Bruce told stories of fights in abandoned warehouses and seedy bars organized by wealthy businessmen and gamblers. His wife talked about the primal rush she got from watching Bruce fight, explaining how she could never be attracted to a guy who couldn't fight. If you want to know why I love this sport, all you need to do is re-read this last paragraph.

Fight 6 – John McDonough (0-0) vs. Patrick Aeyella (3-0)
After an exchange on their feet, Aeyella landed a huge shot that dropped McDonough. Aeyella paused momentarily before pouncing on his fallen opponent and finishing him off for good. Aeyella wins by KO :23 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 7 – Jeremy "Tiny" Norton (11-7) vs. Brian Veach (1-1)
There was obviously some bad blood between these superheavyweight fighters. Norton opened by bullrushing Veach into the cage. Veach countered with a series of shots that evidently did not phase Norton one bit. Norton landed an uppercut that dropped Veach and then unloaded on his downed opponent until the ref showed mercy. Norton wins by TKO 1:00 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 8 – Sean Sallee (7-17) vs. Tim Walls (8-2?)
The abuse dished out in this fight makes me a little skeptical of Walls' announced record of 8-2, especially when I can't find a listing for him in the Full Contact Fighter database. Veteran cage fighter Sallee dropped Walls with a punch but, instead of pouncing, motioned Walls back to his feet. From there Sallee dropped him again with ease, this time going in for the decisive finish on his thoroughly overwhelmed opponent. Sallee wins by TKO :33 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 9 – Gabe Holmes (7-8) vs. Steve Fritz (1-1)
In a night full of entertaining fights, this one was a snoozer. Rather than recount the entire fight in a manner that would set a record for most uses of the phrase "ref restarts due to inactivity", let me just say that the highlight of the fight came when Shonie Carter almost accidentally locked the ring card girl in the cage wth the fighters to start the third round. I almost wish he had done it… whatever would have resulted from that would have been far more interesting than what actually transpired. Fight ends with majority draw.

Fight 10 – Danile Nuttrall (4-1) vs. Babby Chadwell (0-0)
After a clinch against the cage, Nuttrall got a takedown to side control, worked to full mount, then absolutely obliterated Chadwell with strikes. Nuttrall wins by submission (strikes) 1:03 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Another intermission ensues with Shonie commentating some exhibition female grappling action. Aside from a diamond encrusted crown belt buckle, Shonie's not quite as blinged out as usual. Still, I seize the opportunity to take a picture with him setting up to hit me with his famous spinning back fist. Life is good sometimes.

Fight 11 – Matt Roland (16-5) vs. Josh Rines (4-4)
Another quick, decisive fight. Roland achieved a full mount with relative ease, then was able to work separation and land shot after shot until Rines could take no more. Roland wins by submission (strikes) 1:07 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 12 – Scott Blevins (0-9) vs. Kris Boyden (3-0)
While I noted earlier I had reason to doubt a fighter's announced 8-2 record, this fight gave me no reason to doubt Blevins' 0-9 mark. Boyden caught Blevins with a big shot right from the outset and immediately went to work finishing him off. Boyden wins by submission (strikes) :20 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 13 – Shaun Parker (3-6) vs. Tyler Bryan (1-0)
Easily the most showstopping fight of the year in central Indiana, and the best finish I have ever personally witnessed. I never even got an official time on this one because of how quickly and startlingly it ended, and the pandemonium that ensued afterwards. Shonie Carter picked the right night to be guest referee. Within the opening seconds of the fight, both fighters landed simultaneous devastating shots that immediately laid them both out unconscious and producing this exceptionally rare fight result: Draw due to double KO. Trust me, you will want to see this video.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 14 – Chris Canale (4-3) vs. Jason Hayes (1-5)
Canale, a highly skilled fighter out of Ohio, thoroughly controlled this fight with confident patience and ease. Canale shot in and scored a big takedown into Hayes's half guard. From there Canale effortlessly transitioned first to side control, then to full mount. Canale briefly looked for a keylock before settling for separation and punches from the mount. As Hayes struggled in vain to get out, Canale moved into a sadistically high mount and continued to rain down punches, before electing to finish his weaker opponent off with an extremely painful kimura. Hayes screamed in verbal submission and very obvious pain. Afterwards, a visibly frustrated Hayes slammed the mat and stormed out of the cage as his opponent's hand was held up. Canale wins by submission (kimura) 2:22 into the first round.

Fight 15 – Blake Bowman (4-3) vs. Kevin Walker (0-0)
Walker made his MMA debut on the wrong end of a huge kick that knocked him out cold, and a flurry of punches afterwards simply for good, decisive measure before the ref could save him. Bowman stood confidently and bowed in mock respect over his decimated opponent. Bowman wins by KO just :08 into the first round.

Fight 16 – Jeremy Ashley (5-4) vs. Jacob Cory (0-1)
Ashley caught Cory and shot into the cage, but Cory countered with a single leg takedown. On the ground, Ashley immediately worked to a position of back control, secured full back mount, then landed a crushing illegal downward elbow to the back of Cory's head that severely rocked Cory. In addition, somehow Cory got poked pretty badly in the eye in the process. In the end, Cory was unable to continue. Ashley wins by submission (corner throws in the towel).

Elite Cage Fighting returned to the Indiana state fairgrounds Saturday night for ECF 22, featuring a packed card and what promised to be two outstanding headline fights. The night saw a little bit of everything, including (full journalistic disclosure ahead) me stepping in as a last minute replacement to be a ringside judge. I also managed to record video of all the fights except for the first one and the last two, and the video links will be listed below each fight .

Fight 1 – Charlie Pingleton (1-0) vs. Jared Tribbett (1-0)
The fight opened with an exchange on their feet. Pingleton landed a couple of big knees that dropped Tribbett, but he didn't finish him off. Tribbett would counter with a good punch, after which Pingleton shot for the takedown. From there though, Tribbett locked in a reverse triangle choke from rear north-south position. Tribbett wins by submission (triangle choke) 1:02 into the first round.

Fight 2 – Chris Pingleton (0-0) vs. Damon Roberts (3-7)
Damon Roberts came into this fight at just 3-7, but having won two out of this last three fights, and his recent strength showed in the first round over his less experienced opponent. Roberts opened the first round with a good leg kick and strike, but Pingleton countered with a big takedown. Roberts kept his cool and pulled guard, and spent the rest of the round trying to set up a triangle or armbar from the guard. Roberts seemed to be on the verge of sinking a triangle choke as the first round ended. Roberts opened the second round with an inside leg kick and pulled half-guard, which quickly backfired. Pingleton gained full mount and rained down some bombs on Roberts until referee Jeff Malott stopped the fight. Pingleton wins by TKO 1:15 into the second round.
Video: Round 1 Round 2

 

Fight 3 – Blake Pattison (0-0) vs. James Stout (0-0)
The fight began furiously as Pattison landed several devastating illegal strikes to the back of Stout's head within the first 10 seconds, as the ref struggled mightily to pull Pattison off of his opponent. Stout was given five minutes to recover and Pattison was penalized a point. None of that mattered though, as Pattison dominated after the restart, quickly working a takedown to back control, slipping off to the side, and locking in a tight bulldog choke to finish off Stout. Pattison wins by submission (bulldog choke) :42 into the first round.
Video: First part After restart

Fight 4 – Chris Johnson (0-1) vs. Isaac McNeil (2-4)
McNeil pulled guard and looked to lock in an arm triangle choke, but Johnson fought it off. Johnson worked out to half-guard. McNeil tried to slide out from underneath but couldn't. Johnson eventually stands the fight up, and McNeil secured a takedown to side control and rode out the position to the end of the round. In the second, the fight went back to the ground but eventually got restarted by the ref due to inactivity. McNeil got a takedown and worked out of Johnson's half-guard into full mount. Moments later, McNeil forced Johnson to tap out with a paper cutter choke. McNeil wins by submission (paper cutter choke) 2:37 into the second round.
Video: Round 1 Round 2

Fight 5 – Jared Blickenstaff (2-0) vs. Michael Cross (2-2)
This fight was pure one-sided devastation. Blickenstaff quickly got a takedown and absolutely abused Cross with strikes, then locked in a side headlock and continued to torture his defenseless opponent with strikes. Cross can't stand it and taps out. Blickenstaff wins by submission (strikes) :59 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 6 – Elias Donker (2-0) vs. Matt Hamm (2-0)
The first two rounds were spent almost entirely on the ground, with Donker largely controlling the action but unable to secure a finishing hold as Hamm showed good ground defense. The third round began similarly, but after a ref restart, Hamm managed to land a leg kick and take Donker down into side control and then full mount, briefly turning the tide of the fight. Donker managed to reverse into Hamm's guard. Hamm tried to set up a triangle but Donker escaped to side control, and worked from that position until the end of the round. Donker wins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-28).
Video: Round 1 Round 2 Round 3

Fight 7 – Tony Alvey (2-1) vs. Caleb Parrish (0-0)
Alvey opened the fight by pushing Parrish into a clinch against the cage. From there Parrish was able to sink in a guillotine. Alvey struggled to fight it off but couldn't and eventually was forced to submit. Parrish wins by submission (guillotine choke) :58 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 8 – Adam Wallace (0-0) vs. Ryan Hancock (0-0)
More total domination in this fight. Hancock worked a takedown to back control, and briefly looked for a rear naked choke. When Wallace rolled over Hancock unloaded major punishment from full mount. Wallace couldn't take anymore and tapped out. Hancock wins by submission (strikes) 1:00 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 9 – Josh Stith (1-0) vs. Josh Kinser (0-0)
This was the second fight of the night to go the distance. Stith controlled the first two rounds, which were spent largely on the ground, although Kinser showed some strong ground defense considering it was his first fight. Kinser was finally able to mount some offense in the third round, which was fought very closely. In the end though, Stith was just a little too much. Stith wins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Video: Round 1 Round 2 Round 3

Fight 10 – Adam Bush (0-0) vs. Adam Fuller (0-1)
Bush charged in and landed some punches, and the fighters clinched against the cage. After an exchange of knees, Bush landed a big punch and got a takedown into Fuller's half-guard. From there Fuller managed to regroup and work for a keylock, finally securing it and forcing Bush to tap. Fuller wins by submission (keylock) 2:32 into the first round.
Video: Entire fight

Fight 11 – Chester York (2-1) vs. Mike Ingle (0-1)
This was the third and final fight to go the distance and implicate my judging duties. Ingle opened the fight with a straight kick and, after a clinch against the cage, pulled York into half-guard. From there Ingle rolled into York's guard, then passed to side control and landed a couple knees and elbows before gaining full mount. From there Ingle landed elbows and punches as York hung on to the end of the round. In the second, the fighters circled and Ingle picked some shots before taking York down and working from side control. After York landed a couple ineffective strikes from the bottom, Ingle gained full mount and landed a couple of elbows before York tied him up and eventually forced a ref restart. York landed a good shot, but Ingle gained another takedown and had secured full mount again by the time the second round ended. York did much better in the third round and was in control until late in the round, when he landed an illegal kick and was penalized a point. Ingle wins by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-26).
Video: Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 3 (after restart)

Fight 12 – Daniel Head (9-0) vs. Jon Miller (1-3)
The first of two outstanding headline fights for this event. Head was making his pro debut after an undefeated amateur career, and looked supremely confident stepping into the cage. Miller came into this fight 0-2 as a professional and 1-3 overall, but this record is deceptive as Miller has fought some outstanding competition. After the opening horn sounded though, it became apparent that Head's confidence was well-founded, as he landed some knees and quickly worked a takedown. From there Head worked to full mount and, when Miller gave up his back, Head locked in a tight body triangle and worked for a rear naked choke. Miller fended off the submission but was unable to escape from Head's patient control. Although the ref eventually restarted the fighters on their feet, Head again was able to gain a takedown and landed some punches and a big elbow from inside Miller's guard, then sat back and tried to secure a leglock as the first round ended. It was more of the same one-sided ground control by Head in the second round, as he continued to dominate. Head eventually gained back control and sunk his hooks looking for a rear naked choke. Head punched his helpless opponent to soften him up, then increased the abuse until Miller could no longer stand it and tapped. Head wins by submission (strikes) 2:19 into the second round. A very impressive win, and Head looks well on his way to great things in the MMA world.

Fight 13 – Dave Shepherd (6-0) vs. Lance Greenberg (5-2)
The second headline fight of the night saw undefeated Dave Shepherd face off against defending ECF welterweight champion Lance Greenberg. The fight opened with some furious exchanges on their feet. After a clinch against the cage, Shepherd worked a takedown into Greenberg's guard. Greenberg looked to set up an armbar but Shepherd countered to side control and then back control. From there Greenberg was unable to fend off a fight-ending rear naked choke. Shepherd wins by submission (rear naked choke) 2:17 into the first round.

Elite Cage Fighting held its last event of 2007 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on December 1, as ECF 18 featured a packed card and some high quality fights. Notably, the night both began and ended with title fights, as both the IUPAD Lightweight Indiana State Pankration Title (which is held annually and then vacated) and the ECF 170-pound title were up for grabs.

Adam Shea (4-2) vs. Denys Shalaev (2-0) (for the IUPAD Indiana State Pankration Title)
Shalaev opened the fight landing an inside leg kick but then missed with a high kick, allowing Shea to take him down. Shea worked out of Shalaev's guard to side control. After Shalaev rolled and gave up his back, Shea worked for a rear naked choke and eventually locked it in. Adam Shea wins by rear naked choke 1:34 into the first round.

Austin Appollos (1-0) vs. James Smith (1-1)
After Smith landed a good side kick and overhand right, Appollos pulled him down into half-guard and worked for a guillotine. Smith had none of it though, thwarting the choke attempt and gaining full mount. Appollos tried to slide out underneath but Smith maintained mount, got separation, and worked the ground and pound until the referee was forced to step in and save Appollos. James Smith wins by TKO 2:47 into the first round.

Smith looks for the finish

Brad Estes (0-0) vs. Seth Kellogg (0-2)
Brad Estes's MMA debut is one that Seth Kellogg would like to forget. Kellogg hit a big overhand right early in the fight but, after a furious exchange of punches after that, the rest of the fight belonged to Estes. After the fight went to the ground with Estes in full mount, Estes unloaded several shots as Kellogg tried to work enough to avoid a stoppage. However, after Estes landed several absolutely punishing strikes the ref had no choice but to step in and stop the fight. Brad Estes wins by TKO 2:31 into the first round.

Cody Craig (0-0) vs. Chris Hanley (0-0)
Quick and decisive devastation in this one. Hanley dropped Craig with a kick and unloaded facial abuse to which Craig offered absolutely no intelligent defense. The crowd booed the stoppage, but the ref again had no choice but to call this one. Chris Hanley wins by TKO just :06 into the first round.

Troy Burton (0-0) vs. James Falk (0-1)
Burton made his MMA debut on the wrong end of a clinic in stand-up abuse. Falk landed a good kick and a sequence of several good punches. After a brief clinch against the cage, Falk continued to land big shots and scored knockdown after knockdown, having his way with Burton before the ref mercifully puts an end to Burton's night. James Falk wins by TKO 1:04 into the first round.

The wonderful ECF cage girls

Brendan Broadstreet (5-4) vs. Jeremy Butler (2-0)
The last fight before the first intermission was, up until that moment, the best fight of the night. In the first round, Butler landed a stiff right before the fight went to the ground. Butler worked out of Broadstreet's guard and briefly gained side control, but Broadstreet was able to pull Butler back into his guard. Butler elected to pull out and stand the fight up, and Broadstreet landed two good jabs before Butler shot for the takedown. Broadstreet pulled guard and worked for an armbar, working it nearly to completion until Butler was saved by the bell. The second round opened with a good exchange. From there Broadstreet looked to pick his shots. Butler shot in but Broadstreet stuffed it, then pulled guard and looked for a triangle. After Butler fended that off and the ref eventually stood up the fighters, Broadstreet landed several good punches and then a big knee that dropped Butler. From there Broadstreet unloaded punishment until the ref intervened. Brendan Broadstreet wins by TKO 2:04 into the second round.

During the first intermission I chatted with Todd Kiser, who won the first IUPAD State Pankration Title back in 2000. Now at the tail end of a successful MMA career (losing his last fight to UFC vet Josh Neer), Kiser continues to train with Hoosier MMA notables Chris "Lights Out" Lytle and Jeremy Bolt while marketing and distributing Go Fast energy drinks.

Aaron Cooper (1-1) vs. Kevin Jennings (0-0)
This fight was spent predominantly on the ground. In the first round, Jennings transitioned from side control to north-south and worked for a guillotine. Cooper escaped the choke attempt and took down Jennings into full mount. With Jennings struggling to avoid separation, Cooper landed elbows, worked for a higher mount, and continued to land elbows as Jennings managed to hang on until the end of the round. After Jennings missed with a big head kick to open the second round, Cooper again took Jennings down into full mount and continued to land elbows. From there Cooper caught Jennings in a straight armbar. Jennings tried to hold out but Cooper tightened the hold and forced Jennings to tap. Aaron Cooper wins by armbar 1:06 into the second round.

Cooper finishes Jennings off with an armbar

Joshua Jones (2-1) vs. Nick Wakley (3-0)
Quite simply, the fight of the night and a nonstop blur of back-and-forth action. After an exchange of takedowns, Wakley worked for a guillotine from north-south position. Jones powered out and took Wakley down to full mount, but quickly got reversed with Wakley ending up in his guard. Undaunted, Jones looked for a triangle but Wakley escaped. Jones rolled into full mount but Wakley again managed to reverse into Jones's guard. The fight went back to stand-up and the fighters exchanged punches as an outstanding first round ended. The action continued in the second, with Jones momentarily dropping Wakley and later landing an overhand right. From there it appeared that Wakley feinted being tired, prompting Jones to swing and miss and enabling Wakley to take the fight to the ground with back control on Jones. Wakley looked for a rear naked choke but Jones managed to work out of the position and into Wakley's guard. Wakley briefly appeared to look for a gogoplata but Jones worked out of the guard to side control and then full mount. From there Jones caught Wakley in an armbar to finish an incredible fight. After the fight, with both fighters bloody, Jones dedicated his win to his father, who recently passed away. Joshua Jones wins by armbar 2:30 into the second round.

One of many good ground exchanges in this fight

Rocky France (1-0) vs. Jesse Turner (1-1)
It is only fitting that a fight featuring a guy named Rocky would be finished with strikes. After an opening clinch, France landed two good rights and then dropped Turner. Turner worked out of inferior north-south position back to standup and landed a solid jab, which France laughed off. Turner's high kick was deflected by France, who then dropped Turner and unloaded on him until Turner was knocked out. Rocky France wins by KO 1:57 into the first round.

Damon Roberts (2-5) vs. Brandon Clore (0-2)
In a fight featuring two guys desperate for a win, Clore shot for a takedown and ended up in Roberts's guard. Roberts looked for an armbar but couldn't get it. Clore worked out to half-guard, landed a good elbow, and ended up back in full guard. Roberts again looked for an armbar to no avail, and Clore was able to land good shots from within guard and eventually knock out Roberts. Brandon Clore wins by KO 2:49 into the first round.

Bobby Chadwell (1-5) vs. Cody Abercrombie (0-2)
Chadwell got a takedown and full mount, but Abercrombie reversed into Chadwell's guard. From there Chadwell somehow ended up hurt, although it was unclear what caused it. Cody Abercrombie wins by TKO(?) 1:01 into the first round.

Matt Jones (1-1) vs. Garett Whitley (0-0)
The fight opened with an exchange of takedowns into one another's guards. Back on their feet, Whitley picked his shots and, after a clinch, got the better of an exchange of punches against the cage and landed several knees. Jones shot for a single leg takedown but Whitley stuffed it. Whitley landed a big elbow while in a clinch against the cage and then finished Jones with a flurry of punches that dropped him. Garett Whitley wins by TKO 2:47 into the first round.

Brian Payne (0-0) vs. Dustin Dennison (0-3)
Unfortunately this fight came after the second intermission and not before. Payne faked an opening glove tap with Dennison and shot for a takedown that was the equivalent of a sucker punch. From there Payne landed a crushing illegal knee to Dennison's head that absolutely devastated Dennison. The fight was stopped and initially declared a no-contest. However, after a video replay it was determined that Payne's illegal strike was clearly intentional, giving Dennison his first "victory" the very hard way. Dennison was carried out on a stretcher and left in an ambulance, and the remaining fights were delayed for quite some time until an ambulance could again be on hand.  Dustin Dennison wins by disqualification :20 into the first round.

Dennison being loaded onto a stretcher

Josh Rines (1-1) vs. Stephen Power (0-1)
Rines made quick work of Power, gaining a takedown, working to side control and then full mount. From there Rines got separation and landed big strikes, prompting the ref to intervene. Josh Rines wins by TKO :55 into the first round.

Darren Smith (3-3) vs. Dwayne Detty (1-0)
In another very quick fight, Smith got a single leg takedown and rained an uninterrupted series of big strikes on his opponent. Detty flailed helplessly and the ref eventually stopped the abuse. Darren Smith wins by TKO :25 into the first round.

Superheavyweight staredown

David Brinley (0-0) vs. Andrew Key (1-4)
After an opening exchange of punches, Brinley attempted a shoot and Key worked for a guillotine. Brinley escaped the choke attempt but landed an illegal head shot. After Key was given five minutes by rule to recover, Brinley gained a takedown into full mount. Key rolled and gave up his back. Instead of a rear naked choke, Brinley locked up Key's head and, with Key defenseless, rained an abusive succession of quick punches that rearranged Key's face, prompting Key to desperately tap out. David Brinley wins by submission (strikes) 1:20 into the first round.

David Zamani (2-1) vs. Justin Allen (7-0) (for the ECF 170-pound title)
The headline fight of the night did not disappoint. After an opening clinch, Zamani looked for a guillotine but Allen took him down into Zamani's half-guard. Allen worked from that position into a leglock attempt, and Zamani began pounding Allen with strikes as Allen worked unsuccessfully for a leglock. Getting the better of that sequence, Zamani worked to full mount but Allen reversed into Zamani's guard. After a period of inactivity the ref stood up the fight. Allen landed a good knee in a Thai clinch, but Zamani countered with a head kick and a series of jabs. Zamani then took down Allen and landed heavy elbows. Allen took some major abuse but managed to survive to the end of the round. However, Allen could not answer the bell for the second round. After a brief debate over whether Zamani's post-fight celebration violated the cage safety rules (which would have resulted in forfeit), Zamani was officially declared the winner and new 170-pound champion. David Zamani wins when Allen cannot continue into the second round.

Allen congratulates Zamani on winning the title

Legends of Fighting returned to 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis on November 30, promising a headline bout between two of central Indiana's best fighters who share an intense dislike for one another. The preliminary bouts featured a little something for everyone, and the headline fight most certainly did not disappoint.

The action for the night opened with two Damage Incorporated fighters, Billy Cooper and Andy Nicola, facing off against one another. After an opening clinch against the cage and some missed punches, Nicola shot for the takedown and ended up in Cooper's guard. Cooper worked for an armbar but Nicola powered out of it and back into standup. After an exchange of punches, Cooper got a takedown, worked for full mount, and began to rain down punches, only to see Nicola saved by the bell. In the second round, Cooper tried to shoot but got caught with an uppercut. As the fight went to the ground Nicola was able to sink a guillotine choke and earn the victory 51 seconds into the second round.

From there, Jeremy Smith took on Justin Ward of the No Mercy Fight Team. After the fight went to the ground, Smith picked up Ward and landed a big slam. From there Smith worked to full mount. Ward managed to stave off Smith's first armbar attempt but could not avoid the second, tapping out at 1:10 of the first round and giving Smith a submission victory.

In the third fight, undefeated fighter Dave "Pee Wee" Herman (11-0) efficiently disposed of MMA newcomer Chuck Geyer. After Geyer swung wildly and missed, Herman took Geyer down and alternately worked from back and side control. Although Geyer managed to get to his feet briefly, Herman easily stuffed Geyer's shoot attempt and then dropped Geyer with a solid right. Herman remained undefeated with a TKO victory 1:21 into the fight.

Herman standing over his defeated opponent

The next fight featured a three round battle between two fighters who definitely gave it everything they had. The first round saw James Simon and Chris Hanni going toe to toe, with Simon landing some good shots in standup. Hanni eventually was able to get a takedown and work to full mount, but unfortunately for him the first round ended. In the second, Smith landed a big right that sent Hanni's mouthpiece flying. Hanni gamely fought back, pulling guard when the fight went to the ground and defending Smith's punches. After the ref eventually restarted, Hanni landed a good overhand left, but the round ended. In the third, with Smith's corner seeing an opening and pleading with Smith to throw the right hand, Smith obliged with a devastating shot that dropped Hanni. Smith landed a couple more shots for good measure on his fallen opponent, securing a TKO victory 1:12 into the third round.

During the first intermission, I was able to interview Tristan Yunker, one of Indiana's best fighters who has an upcoming fight with UFC veteran Pete Spratt on the next HD Net fight card in Dallas (which also features Mayhem Miller, Frank Trigg and Yves Edwards, among others). Although he wouldn't offer a specific prediction, Yunker said he hoped to take the fight to the ground and impose his will on Spratt. From that fight, Yunker hopes to land a longer-term contract for 2008, hopefully with UFC or Elite XC. Tune in on December 15 to see if Yunker can take down the UFC vet.

As the fights resumed, Kyle Gibbons made quick work of yet another opponent, this time the overmatched Durrell Mitchell. After a clinch against the cage the fight went to the ground, where Gibbons worked for a kimura. Mitchell managed to work his way out of that but Gibbons took Mitchell's back and rained down some absolutely brutal shots on his defenseless opponent, earning a TKO victory 1:45 into the fight. Gibbons is now 13-2, has fought some quality opponents, and definitely appears to be someone to keep an eye on in this sport.

Kyle Gibbons looking for a kimura

The sixth fight saw another No Mercy fighter, Jerry Bussen, on the wrong end of a submission finish. Chris Franks opened the fight with a big slam on Bussen. Grappling on the ground, Bussen worked for an odd-looking kimura, then an anklelock, but Franks rolled out of it, pulled guard, and locked in a kimura of his own. Bussen could not escape and was forced to tap 1:31 into the fight.

The seventh fight featured two skilled combatants, Davion Peterson (14-4) and Marcus Reynolds (3-3). This fight went the distance and was largely a technical standup battle. Reynolds managed to keep Peterson somewhat off balance with a good mixture of kicks, despite landing few of them. At the end of the first round, Peterson managed to land some good punches while in Reynolds's guard and was working for a side choke as the round ended. The second and third rounds saw relatively little action, with the exception of a thunderous kick by Reynolds at the start of the third round that missed its mark. In the end, Peterson was awarded a unanimous decision.

Davion Peterson entering the cage

Once the card resumed following the second intermission, undefeated fighter Orville Smith (7-0) opened the action by completely dominating Mohammed Jordan, whose two previous fights had both ended in draws. Jordan attempted a kick but Smith caught the leg, took Jordan down, and asserted his will, finishing Jordan off with an armbar 1:17 into the fight.

Smith setting up Jordan for the finish

In the penultimate fight of the night, "The Disciple" J.D. Craft took on Dustin Thompson. Craft landed two big slams and took back control when the fight went into the ground. Thompson managed to stave off too much abuse while in the inferior position and eventually worked his way back to his feet. In the second round, Craft landed a big right hook, then quickly regained back control and sunk in a rear naked choke, forcing Thompson to tap 22 seconds into the round.

Last, and certainly not least, was a supercharged main event that fully lived up to its billing. Both Jeremy Wingler (12-2) and Johnny Rees (11-0) brought their huge fan bases and mutual resentment to the event, and serious tension built both inside and outside the cage in the moments leading up to the fight. As the fight opened, Wingler drew first blood, momentarily dropping Rees. However, Rees immediately fought back, and the fighters tore into each other with an explosive exchange of punches. At a pivotal moment, Wingler missed with a right hook as Rees managed to knock him off balance. From there Rees pounced, taking Wingler's back and methodically working for a rear naked choke. Wingler was helpless as Rees sunk in his hooks and choked him completely unconscious to end the fight. As if there was any doubt about the bad blood, as Wingler was being revived, Rees mockingly fell to the ground as if being put to sleep. The night ended with the Rees and Wingler camps confronting each other angrily outside the cage. Undoubtedly we have not heard the last of this rivalry.

Crowd fight breaks out after Rees chokes out Wingler

Riehle Brothers Tavern, a bar in a converted warehouse with a little bit of an outlaw atmosphere, hosted LFC 21: Redemption as the Legends of Fighting Championship invaded Lafayette, Indiana on Saturday night. The headline fight was supposed to be the highly anticipated rematch between UFC veteran Chris “The Exorcist” Price and Jeremiah “Wood” Adriano. Unfortunately, either because of job issues or personal reasons, Price had to withdraw from the event, leaving comparatively unknown Ohio wrestler Chris Canale to take his place in the headline bout.

The preliminary fights alternated between close contests and total annihilations. In the opener, Donald Hoover took quick control over Dustin Dennison, shooting immediately for the takedown, then passing effortlessly from Dennison’s guard to side control. After Dennison weakly gave up his back, Hoover locked in a rear naked choke and secured a tapout victory just 42 seconds into the first round.

The second fight was an evenly-matched contest with a disappointing ending, as Howard Clark faced off against Brad “Powerhouse” Purcell. The contest opened with an exchange of strikes. After Clark landed a solid connection, Purcell shot in for the takedown and eventually gained side control, only to see Clark power out of the bad position. Back in standup, Clark landed another good shot and tried unsuccessfully to shoot. Both fighters looked gassed as the first round ended. As the second round was about to begin, Clark (who has “Never Give Up” tattooed on his chest) indicated he could not continue. Clark’s lack of fight prompted a hail of boos as Purcell was declared the winner.

In the third fight, Cody Abercrombie never seemed to have a chance against the much stronger Mike Taylor. The opening seconds saw Taylor land a leg lick and immediately take down Abercrombie to side control. From there Taylor took full mount and punished Abercrombie with strikes. Taylor briefly gave up the mount as Abercrombie reversed into Taylor’s guard, but Taylor never lost control, locking in a straight armbar and forcing Abercrombie to signal his submission just 1:27 into the first round.

In the best preliminary fight of the night, Brandon Plore took on Marcus Smith. The fighters remained on their feet for most of the first round, during which Plore seemed to land the better shots. However, as the fight went to the mat late in the round, Smith gained side control but couldn’t do anything with it before the round ended. After a clinch against the cage to open the second round, Smith gained a takedown only to find himself having to fight off a guillotine choke. Smith was able to escape the potentially dangerous position and rain bombs down on Plore from within Plore’s guard, then sit back and work for an anklelock as the second round ended. Sensing his opponent weakening from the damage inflicted, Smith opened the third round by shooting for a takedown and landing a couple of shots. Plore attempted to set up an armbar but didn’t have the strength remaining to pull it off. With increasing confidence, Smith took side control and set up for a straight armbar. Plore tried to defend but Smith softened him up with some devastating head shots, which left Plore helpless to defend as Smith extended the arm and forced Plore to submit. Smith gained a hard fought victory by armbar at 1:29 in the third round.

In stark contrast, the last two preliminary fights of the evening each saw a clearly superior fighter dominate his opponent. Tom Osborne was never once threatened by Jeff Hellman, as Osborne took down his opponent and unleashed severe punishment that left Hellman completely laid out, gaining Osborne a knockout victory just 47 seconds into the fight. In the next fight, Joel Blanton made equally short work of his opponent, quickly taking Jason Powell down and gaining full mount. Rather than absorb punishment, Powell gave up his back and Blanton, like an anaconda, locked on to his prey and sunk in a rear naked choke. With Powell tapping out and his legs flailing helplessly, Blanton held the choke and earned a submission victory just 49 seconds into the fight.

In the headline fight of the night, Chris Canale stepped in for Chris Price to take on Jeremiah “Wood” Adriano. Adriano enjoyed pervasive fan support on this night, as the crowd was filled with family, friends and fans wearing shirts reading “Wood is Good.” Seemingly overmatched, Canale nevertheless put up a good fight. Although Adriano stuffed Canale’s early shoot attempt, the fight went to the ground with Canale in half-guard and looking to land elbows. As Adriano defended, Canale gained full mount and then rear control, but Adriano was able to escape. Adriano gained control of the fight up against the cage but was penalized for an illegal blow. Unfazed, Adriano took the fight back to the fence and landed a couple good shots as the first round ended. In the second round, Adriano stuffed another takedown attempt. Canale worked out of inferior north-south position back to a clinch against the cage. Adriano sought a single-leg takedown but Canale stuffed it. After another brief grappling exchange ended up back in standup, Adriano landed a devastating left kick to Canale’s head that immediately dropped Canale. Adriano landed two more punches to his downed opponent before the ref intervened, giving Adriano a TKO victory 1:57 into the second round.

Legends of Fighting will return to Indianapolis in just three weeks, featuring a bitter grudge match between Johnny Rees and Jeremy Wingler. LFC 22 will be at 8 Seconds Saloon on November 30, 2007.

KUBED (“Knuckle Up, Break ‘Em Down) represented well at the event. KUBED (pronounced “coo-bed”) has an excellent MMA clothing line and represents fighters throughout the Midwest, including Chicago, Cincinnati, Iowa, and of course, Indianapolis.

The first fight of the night was Mike Taylor (0-0) against Seth Sugars (0-2). This was a nice back-and-forth fight between two amateur fighters. In the first round, Taylor took down Sugars and gained side control, only to see Sugars pull a reversal to guard and eventually to his own side control. Sugars gained full mount only to have the first round end. In the 2nd round, Sugars attempted a standing guillotine, but Taylor took him down and transitioned nicely from half-guard to side control. From there Taylor was able to gain the mount and secure a guillotine choke for the win. .

The second fight was Jeremiah Davenport (2-3) versus Taz Ferguson (5-2). Ferguson made short work of his opponent, gaining side control and then his opponent’s back, and finally securing a rear naked choke just 58 seconds into the first round. .

In the next fight, Sean McCorkle (5-0) came out a favorite against James Ferguson (0-1) but struggled before finishing off his opponent. Ferguson fought well in the first round, gaining two good takedowns and controlling the action on the ground. The second round was another story, as McCorkle pulled guard and was able to lock in a kimura for the win 1:28 into Round 2. .

The fourth fight of the night saw Brian Holmes (1-0) make relatively short work of Tim Follette (0-0). After Follette s