The Triangle Choke: ICF Breakout Results

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ICF Breakout invaded US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH with a card filled with budding prospects, local stars and UFC Vets. The likes of Rich Franklin, Matt Hamill, Jorge Gurgel and Jens Pulver were on hand to watch the bouts. A raucous crowd cheered on their local favorites and proved to be enthusiastic throughout the 13 fight card. The card featured local stars Victor O’Donnell, Chad Hinton, Luke Zachrich and former UFC Veterans, Forrest Petz, Dan Christison, Marcio Cruz and Jeff Cox.

ICF Breakout Results: The 7 amateur fights were filled with fighters on the brink of turning pro. The fights were very competitive.

• Team Gurgel’s Alex Suhonosov, in his MMA debut defeated Justin Hunt via referee stoppage in the 1st round. Keep an eye on this kid
• Steve Muldrow vs. Matt Egner, classic rematch. Both of these fighters are good enough to compete as pros. Muldrow used his impressive strength and take down ability to win via Unanimous Decision.
• Chris Curtis vs. Taylor Ruscin- Ruscin used his size advantage to win via unanimous decision. It was one of those bouts fans hate, Ruscin laid on top of Curtis without trying to improve position or landing any strikes. For some reason the referee refused to stand them up.
• Marcus Finch vs. Tyler Johnson- Another great rematch for the Middleweight Title with both fighters certainly qualified to compete at the pro level. An evenly matched fight that went back and forth. One of the best fights of the night as they went toe to toe. Finch gained the hard fought victory via Unanimous Decision. Remember both of these guys. Their future is certainly bright.
• Jami Miller vs. Tiffany Johnson, Miller’s long awaited debut finally happened. She has had several fights booked with her opponents backing out. Miller dominated the contest winning via tap out due to a RNC early in the contest. A very impressive debut.
• Ron Mitchell vs Rob Galloway, Mitchell continued his onslaught in the Heavyweight decision. Ron continues to improve with each fight. Mitchell landed a series of overhand rights knocking Galloway to the canvas. He lied motionless as the referee quickly stopped the fight. Very impressive victory for the Ohio product.
• TJ Ball vs. Kevin Barton, Ball has been dominant holding the 205lb title. Barton had only one fight on his resume but he proved to be very skilled on the ground. Ball could not unload his powerful punches as Barton would eat some shots to get the fight on the ground. From there he would use impressive leverage and balance to control the fight and pull off the upset to gain the Light Heavyweight Title.

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ICF Breakout Pro Fights:

• Jeremy “The Pony Boy” Pender vs. Carson Gainey, Pender made his pro debut after a very successful ammy run. The 1st round was slow paced with the fighters feeling each other out. Pender landed some quality knees to end the round. In the 2nd, the pace picked up and Pender used his very effective ground game to win via tap out due to a RNC. The future is bright for young Mr. Pender.
• Daniel Straus vs. Mike Baskis, Straus controlled the fight from beginning to end. He landed some powerful slams reminiscent of Rampage Jackson. Straus managed to keep Baskis at bay landing some powerful kicks resulting in a victory for Straus via UD.
• Luke Zachrich vs. Robert Thompson, Zachrich of The Ultimate Fighter fame, outclassed Thompson from beginning to end. He landed an array of leg kicks sending Thompson limping backwards. Luke would follow up with some impressive strikes bloodying Thompson’s face. Luke grabbed control and ended the fight via tap out due to a key lock (type of arm/shoulder lock). The sky is the limit for Zachrich. He is certainly good enough to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
• Chad “The H-Bomb” Hinton vs. Jeff Cox, Cox has extensive experience in the cage including a bout against UFC Welterweight Thiago Alves. Hinton doesn’t have the experience of Cox but is a fighter on the rise, even at the age of 37. The 1st round was slow with both fighters feeling each other out looking for openings. I gave the 1st round to Hinton but it was very close. In the 2nd round, Hinton landed a ferocious left hook sending Cox to the mat. Hinton pounced landing several strikes before the referee halted the contest. A very impressive win for Chad Hinton.
  • Check out our recent interview with Chad Hinton!
• Dan “The Sandman” Christison vs. Marcio Cruz, Both fighters have experience in the Octagon of UFC. Cruz has a victory on his resume over UFC Heavyweight Frank Mir. The key to this fight was where would it take place. In the stand up, Dan clearly had the advantage with better hands and a reach advantage. On the ground, it would be difficult to find anyone with an advantage over Cruz. The Sandman was able to avoid several takedowns with impressive sprawls but in the end Cruz dictated the style of the fight and controlled it beginning to end resulting in a victory via UD. If Marcio Cruz would work on his conditioning, he could be an elite level fighter in the UFC.
• Main Event, Victor O’Donnell vs. Forrest Petz, Petz had a distinct experience advantage over Victor as he has competed for UFC. Victor continues to get underestimated but the fact is the guy is quick and heavy handed and well skilled in all facets of the game. The 1st round went back and forth with both landing heavy strikes. I gave the 1st round to Victor. The striking continued in the 2nd round then goes to the ground. Petz reversed over gaining the dominate position the Victor does the same landing on top. The ground game was very impressive for both fighters. Victor postured up landing several wicked blows to Petz forcing him to give up his back. Victor gladly took it applying a tight Rear nake Choke gaining the victory via submission. A monster victory for Victor O’Donnell. Victor has the ability to compete in any organization.
  • Check out our March 2009 interview with Victor O'Donnell!

That ended a spectacular night of fights from US Bank Arena. How did I do on my picks? Of the 13 fights I made predictions on 11. I went 3-2 on the ammys and a very impressive 6-0 on the pro fights.

Article & Photos by Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Editor-in-Chief