Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Two big kickboxing shows this weekend to report on:

United Glory hosted the semi-final rounds of their World Series of Kickboxing and MMA tournaments this weekend.  On the kickboxing side of things, in the first semi-final, JLB teammate Brice Guidon defeated Mourad Bouzidi via KO in the 2nd round.  I have not yet found any footage from this fight, but it's an impressive win as Bouzidi is both a solid fighter and very tough to stop.  In semi-final #2, tournament favorite Gokhan Saki (pictured) took a unanimous decision win over Wendell Roche.  Another powerful, leg kick heavy performance from Saki in this one, although Roche put up a game fight, particularly in the 3rd round.  With those wins, the final is set: Gokhan Saki vs. Brice Guidon.  That is scheduled from some time in May, though could very easily be delayed.  Saki will remain the favorite, but Guidon is a tough fighter, with a 2010 win over top 10 Hesdy Gerges.  He'll definitely make this a good final, and has it in him to pull off the upset.

Only partial results are available for the rest of the card, as United Glory is known to shuffle their line-ups considerably at the very last minute.  In more kickboxing action, Nieky Holzken, Errol Zimmerman, and Robin van Roosmalen were all victorious against unknown opponents.  Not much is known here, except that Zimmerman apparently broke the arm of his opponent - we'll have more details on that incident plus all these fights as soon as we can.  Finally, in the MMA tournament, both UFC veterans lost, as Siyar Bahadurzada defeated John Alessio, and Tommy Depret defeated Roan Carneiro.  Siyar and Depret will meet in the MMA finals on that same May show.

The other big event was over in Romania, where SuperKombat and WAKO-Pro presented an event billed as Romania vs. Italy.  In a rematch from the 2010 K-1 Europe GP finals, Freddy Kemayo once again defeated Sebastian Ciobanu, this time via extra round decision.  Romanian site Kombat.ro is saying there was some controversy surrounding that decision, though take that with a grain of salt as they tend to really favor their local fighters.  Dzevad Poturak also took a decision win over Ionut Ifitmoaie, while Catalin Morosanu defeated Yuksel Ayadin, again via decision.  On the undercard, the hyped Stoica brothers were both triumphant, as Andrei Stoica defeated Alex Rossi, and Bogdan Stoica took out Levio Ramoni, both via decision.  Full results here.

Next weekend, the show to watch is It's Showtime Brussels with their 61kg title on the line.  There was a NJKF show also scheduled that was to feature Tetsuya Yamato, but that show has been postponed to May 21 in light of the disaster in Japan.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

We just saw a hype train not get derailed, but fly off of the rails on its own accord and into the realm of hyperbole. Not in a very long time have I seen a fighter get as hyped up so quickly as Jon Jones has in his very brief Mixed Martial Arts career. Jones has all of the potential in the world, has a large, lanky frame and a wrestling pedigree on top of a sense of creativity that most Mixed Martial Artists are afraid to express.

There is a very good chance that tonight Dana White and the Fertitas were finally able to create a new, homegrown star and one that will have wider appeal than a middle aged white man with a beer gut and a mohawk could have. Jon Jones handled Shogun like he was a small child, and while all of his weaknesses were still there, his strengths were enough to make Shogun look like an average fighter to say the least. Jones had a hard time keeping position on the ground due to poor posturing while going for big elbow strikes, on his feet his footwork as as sloppy as ever and the big shots were never set up or followed up on.

That won't matter to most because he won the fight in dominant fashion and landed a few big, cool moves on his feet that will fill a highlight reel up for future fights quite nicely. A lot of those cool moves he throws he actually did't pick up from Jackson or Winklejohn, but former K-1 fighter Mark Miller (whom I urge you to Google, guy has the best story in combat sports) who he used to train with. So the flash of Jon Jones came from one of the few kickboxers in the United States that were able to prove themselves on an international level in the past ten years and added to the wrestling base that Greg Jackson has been able to have a field day with.

Jones moves on to face team mate Rashad Evans and a slew of articles hailing him as the greatest champion prospect to ever live, but he'll need to keep his head on the ground and pick up some of those fundamentals if he wants to stay on top, because eventually someone will be able to exploit them.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Mirko Cro Cop didn't come out to Duran Duran, instead he came out to Ennio Morricone's classic L'estasi Dell'Oro [The Ecstasy of Gold] from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. To many this shows signs of change and for a night of PRIDE NEVER DIE, an ominous sign.

Brendan Schaub is a large, scary dude who looks to have a bright future ahead of him. He clinched Cro Cop against the cage and was broken by Herb Dean for a possible rabbit punch. This just led to a takedown by Schaub. Cro Cop was actually able to sweep him and get back to his feet, but more clinch work from Schaub just exposes what we already know; Cro Cop hates getting clinched.

The second round sees a lot of the same, Cro Cop seems to be afraid of throwing meaningful strikes and his inability to clinch has haunted his UFC career. He throws a left high kick that Schaub was able to avoid and use to take Cro Cop down. The remainder of the round was Goldberg discussing Jon Jones and lots of clinching. Cro Cop actually uses a few close elbows to get some blood out of Schaub before Schaub once again rabbit punches Mirko and loses a point. That might actually even up the fight or put Cro Cop in the lead as he landed the best shots in that round.

The third round starts off with a left inside leg kick from Cro Cop that like a heat seeking missle connects with Schaub's cup. Left leg ball breaker, right leg vasectomy. Schaub after he recovers takes Cro Cop down, Cro Cop pushes him off and gets immediately taken down again with a diving tackle. For some odd reason Shaub lets him get back up and Cro Cop is able to stuff a takedown. It looked good for Cro Cop and then Brendan Schaub lands a crazy right hook behind the ear of Cro Cop sending him flying, head bouncing off the mat.

We love Cro Cop, but it is that time.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Saturday was a pretty odd day for the world of fighting. The threat of nuclear meltdown hangs over the collective heads of those in Northeastern Japan, leaving the fight industry there just an afterthought. In between concern over their lives and the lives of their friends and loved ones, you could see fighters on Twitter expressing confusion over what was going on in America, but it passed, as actual pressing matters took over.

In the states, debate, concern, gloating and groaning took place as it was announced that Zuffa, parent company of the UFC purchased top competitor Strikeforce. We are still yet to see exactly how it unfolds, but watching the United States MMA scene over the next two years will be very, very interesting to say the least.

We also got to see Fight Code put on Oktagon, a show featuring Giorgio Petrosyan vs. Cosmo Alexandre, as well as a fantastic top-to-bottom card to support said fight. But there were some other fights of interest in the kickboxing world. In Greece, hometown hero "Iron" Mike Zambidis, better known to some fans simply as ZAMBO outclassed Ali Gunyar on the Iron Challenge event.

The other big fight of note was Albert Kraus fought in Russia against a hometown fighter, Batu Khasikov. This was set to be a tune-up fight for Kraus, but much like Andy Souwer's tune-up fight in Spain, Kraus found himself on the bottom half of a decision and a disappointing end to his Russian excursion.

Oh, and we have videos after the break. Thanks to our pal Brent Ducharme for scouting these.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Giorgio Petrosyan fighting is a big deal, fighting top competition like Cosmo Alexandre is a bigger deal. Petrosyan's defenses are as tight as ever within the opening seconds, as you'd imagine. Cosmo is using a lot of muay thai sweeps because, well, he can't hit Giorgio. Petrosyan connects with a hook and he goes down, but it isn't ruled a knockdown due to how quickly Cosmo gets up. Petrosyan using his hands to set up his kicks brilliantly throughout the round and is controlling where the fight takes place, all Cosmo is really doing is tripping him. Petrosyan had the cleanest shots in that round.

The ref looks like Olaf Alfonso and breaks them up early, as Cosmo's corner forgot to return his mouthpiece. Giorgio is checking just about every kick and moving his head out of the way of strikes while setting up his own combinations. Cosmo asks him to bring it, but that doesn't mask the fact he is getting worked. The only connections that Cosmo has seen so far are rushing knees to the midsection, but he pays for each and every one. Cosmo's hands did connect a few times, but not enough to give him the round.

Cosmo comes into the third round down two rounds, he doesn't look bad, but he is losing. Cosmo is able to back Giorgio up early on, but Petrosyan skillfully backs up and takes control of the ring and the round again. Watching him duck a hook while slipping one of his own is just incredible. Cosmo is frustrated and tries a desperation flying knee but connects with nothing. This was all Petrosyan.

Petrosyan easily takes the decision win and really, Giorgio Petrosyan is nearly unstoppable at this point. Cosmo Alexandre is incredibly tough and a very real opponent.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Yoshihiro Sato even fighting right now just shows the spirit that he has. This right here is Japanese spirit, this is budo. Japan is in a state of disaster and Yoshihiro Sato comes to fight against Armen Petrosyan. Armen has a lot to prove as he is in the shadow of little brother Giorgio. Sato comes in immediately with very tight combination work, but Armen picks and chooses his spots. Sato is fighting on guts and emotion, but as always, he is an intelligent fighter. The only problem is Armen can give it right back. Incredible round for both men.

The second round sees both men try to outsmart each other agai, but Armen uses a lot of thai sweeps early on to frustrate Sato. Reminds me of what Overeem did in his earlier K-1 fights. Both men are working their teep to keep the other at bay and clinching when they get in close. Sato does have a reach advantage ans is only really using it to avoid getting hit. Not the same fire as the first round.

We head into Round 3 most likely even on rounds and Sato looks ready to steal the show but Armen is looking to take him down, apparently. Aremen is all about working the clinch, but Sato is actually landing some solid knees. Very ugly round once again, should probably be a draw but I could see it going to Armen.

Armen takes the ugly decision.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Dzabar starts off with his high guard and goes to town on CVV immediately. His technique looks incredibly tight.When Askerov gets in close Chris is able to land a few shots, but Askerov's guard is very good. Askerov counters a shot and lands a few amazing hooks that downs Chris and he can't get up. All over.

Amazing technique from Askerov and a series of left hands murders Chris Van Venrooij and proves that he is a fighter to look out for in the years to come.

Absolutely incredible knockout, we'll have a video of it when we can, it is something to behold.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

The fight that almost didn't happen is indeed happening. Hesdy Gerges has had his legal problems, but he is a free man for now and takes on the very, very tough Daniel Ghita. Both men start off throwing incredibly hard and fast kicks, to the extent where you forget how big they are. Ghita's hands have improved, but Gerges still has an edge in that department, he is also checking every few leg kicks, but Ghita's leg kicks are crisp and deadly.

Ghita comes out a bit slower than he did in the first round and is getting frustrated by Gerges' quick combos. He drops his hands and invites Gerges to unload on him, awesome moment where he is just shouting for more punishment. This won't win him the round or the fight, but moments like that are amazing. Gerges keeps his combos crisp and near the end of the second round is actually able to drop Ghita hitting him low! Ghita pulls himself up and keeps slugging it out. It isn't clear if that was counted as a down or not, but it doesn't matter as it was a round for Hesdy.

Going into the third, Ghita looks visibly tired while Gerges is still moving forward and connecting with combinations. Ghita makes an epic comeback and lands a few mighty kicks and follows up with a few big punches, going to the body of Gerges with kicks and punches. Hesdy is showing signs of being hurt but he keeps coming. Ghita lands flush on Gerges' jaw and Gerges pulls a Ghita and moves head first at him with his guard down. These guys are just trying to kill each other.

The round ends and I'd say Gerges won the first two and Ghita took the third, but I want an extension round.

It looks like Hesdy Gerges has taken the unanimous decision, winning those first two rounds in the fashion that he did. Amazing fight. Hesdy Gerges is going to go places in the Heavyweight division and Ghita is going to be around for a very long time.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

This is a fight that has the kickboxing world buzzing as Aussie dropped 7kg to fight Andy Souwer and looks to take on the 70kg division by storm. Souwer looks composed and regal in his Shootboxing trunks and the first round proves to be incredibly close. Every time Aussie lets Souwer in, Souwer does some serious damage. This is going to be a close fight if round 1 is any indication.

The second round is given a punctuation mark as Souwer drops Aussie early on with an overhand. Aussie protests that it was a knockdown, but like hell it was. Andy Souwer is showing the world that while he has had some disappointing performances that isn't who he is. Souwer now really cutting off the ring for Aussie, getting him in the corner. Aussie is able to work his way off the ropes but there is no saving this round for him.

Andy Souwer comes into the third round with his amazing hand speed and the younger Aussie is starting to look frustrated. The fans are chanting for Aussie but Souwer's movement and handspeed is really giving him problems every time he comes inside to go for a combo. Andy scores an amazing high kick in the corner that makes the crowd roar and Aussie proves his mettle by not going down.

The final bell rings and it was a masterful performance for Andy Souwer, absolutely masterful. Never doubt Souwer Power. Ever.

Unanimous Decision for Andy Souwer. Amazing.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 18:11

Both guys start off slow, but you can really see the reach of Kyshenko being used to his full potential early on. Drago is using inside leg kicks to get on the inside, but as soon as he does Kyshenko makes him pay for it. The second round starts off with more of the same, as Drago is attempting to apply more pressure but every time he comes inside Kyshenko's range he gets blasted. It should be noted that Kyshenko's lead leg is getting more and more red and beginning to swell up a bit. The right tactic for Drago is to keep working from the outside, but he keeps moving in for the left/right hook combo and gets tagged.

Going into the third round, Artur Kyshenko is up two rounds but Gago Drago is being Drago and moving forward and throwing with evil intentions looking to take him out. Kyshenko keeps a safe distance and tagging Drago when he comes inside. Now Kyshenko really starts lining Drago up and throwing high kicks and telegraphing Drago's kicks with teeps.

Drago throws a desperation back spin kick but it is too little too late as Kyshenko really picked Drago apart.

Kyshenko takes a Unanimous Decision as Drago takes the mic and apologizes and congratulates Kyshenko whose new camp has really, really made him shine.