MMA News from Pro Fighting Fans

Good Evening everyone and welcome to tonight’s live blog of Bellator 23.  Tonight’s coverage is brought to you by Fighter’s Guard Management MMA Agency, and Intimidation Clothing, www.intimidationclothing.com.  Fighters Guard Management relieves fighters of all the stressful issues outside of the cage and truly guards the fighters across the board.  Intimidation Clothing offers affordable-stylish MMA apparel including signature t-shirts of Forrest Petz, Jason Dent and Jessica Eye.

The event starts tonight at 7:00 ET and includes two tournament finals with $100,000 on the line.  Bellator 23 marks the end of Season 2.

Yes the Irish Hand Grenade is in attendance but that pails in comparison to Billy Donovan and George Oiler entering the premises!

1st bout of the evening:

Dave Overfield (6-1) vs. Kurt Kinser (2-0) lightweight:  A good take down to start the 1st round by Kinser.  He maintains the top position and lands several big elbows.  Blood is gushing from Overfields head.  He is  a bloody mess which may help him escape.  Overfield attempts submission from the bottom but both fighters are very slick.  The referee stops the fight quickly in the midst of a bloody mess.  Official Decision Kurt Kinser via TKO due to strikes 2:30 into the 1st round.

2nd bout of the evening:

Mike Fleniken (2-1) vs. Stoney Hale (3-1) Middleweight- The fight starts in the clinch with Fleniken disengaging and landing some heavy strikes.  Hale stays on the aggressive attempting the take down. Hale’s persistence pays off as he lands a solid take down.  Mike manages his way back to his feet and lands some heavy blows.  From there Fleniken grabbs a guillotine choke which appears deep but Hale manages to escape and grabs side control.  An impressive-technical fight thus far.  Hales eats a punch but manages a take down but gets caught in a triangle choke.  He again manages an impressive escape.  Hale gets a full mount but is swept and eats some heavy punches in the process.  The round ends with Fleniken on top.  A very close round but I give it 10-9 to Fleniken.  2nd round- Both fighters miss haymakers then Hale attempts a tak down.  Finally Hale gets Fleniken to the ground in his full guard.  Hale lets hi up then lands a monster overhand right which sends Mike to ground.  He quickly pounces but ends up on the bottom.  Several reversals occur with neither fighter doing damage.  Hale grabsa side mount then transitions to full mount.  Mike quickly gave up his back and is in danger of a RNC with just under a minute left in the round.  Hale sinks it in and gets the victory.  Official Decision Stoney Hale via tap out due to a RNC  4:20 into the 2nd round.

Looks like the Hinton-Straus bout may happen after the televised portion.  I’ll keep you posted!!

A very good crowd here with a neat atmosphere.  The outdoor feel with a glass roof sets off the cage nicely.

TV portion kicks off at 8:00.  Should be four great fights!

As Brent Musberger would say “You are looking live” at Bellator 23 from Louisville, KY!  A raucous crowd has filled the venue and they are ready for action!!

1st televised bout:

Rosi Sexton 9-1 vs. Zoila Frausto 4-1: Catch Weight of 121 lbs. This should be a great fight:  The fighters start slow feeling each other out.  Finally both throw some heavy shots with nothing landing.  These women are simply cat quick!  Sexton grabs a single leg but cannot get Frausto to the ground.  They tie up on the cage with nothing happening.  They seperate and get back into the center of the cage where Frausto lands a wicked knee which sends Sexton to the ground.  WOW!!!  Sexton was leaning and got the full knee!  A big victory by Frausto!  Official Decision Frausto via TKO due to strikes 2:00 into the 1st round

Middlweight Tournament Final Alexander Shlemenko vs. Bryan Baker ($100,000 on the line): This should be a great match-up- the unorthodox Shlemenko vs. the very technical Baker.  Baker certainly looks better but Alexander throws punches from all angles.  The fight starts with both fighters throwing several punches.  Shlemenko throws a spinning back kick which misses but draws ooohs and awes from the crowd.  They exchange several punches and the whip of a Shlemenko kick is very audible.  Baker is having a hard time figuring out the crazy angles of Alexander.  Schlemenko gets Baker on the ground and lands several heavy blows which stops the fight.  Although the victory was impressive it was hard to watch Baker’s mom hold back the tears.  She is visibly shaken.  Shlemenko looks very impressive.  Wow, this dude looks like the real deal.  I cannot wait to see Shlemenko vs. Lombard!  Official Decision Alexander Shlemenko via TKO due to strikes 2:45 into the 1st round.  I cannot help but wonder what $100,000 means in his home country…

Featherweight Tournament Final Joe Warren 4-1 vs. Patricio Pitbull 14-0 ($100,00 on the line): A very good match-up between Pitbull (the better striker and jiu-jitsu expert) vs. Joe Warren who is an elite wrestler.  They tie up to start with Warren landing a solid knee.  Warren is dipping and ducking looking for a take down but Pitbull lands a surprising take down.  Being on his back is not a good position for Warren but he manages to get back to his feet.  These guys are freaking quick!  Pitbull is very fluid in his motions as his lands a nice combo to Warren’s head.  Warren lands some more knees from the clinch.  Pitbull is much quicker with his strikes.  Warren looks a little surprised and tired.  Then Pitbull grabs a standing choke hold but Warren finally escapes.  Warren needs to get this fight in close and against the cage where he can work his dirty boxign skills.  Pitbull lands a solid right hand which sends warren to the canvas and forces him to give up his back.  Warren is tough as heck but gets aught in a RNC but is saved by the bell.  The fight was over if not for the bell.  WOW!  2nd round- The doctor checks Warren and gives him the green light.  Warren attempts a double leg to no avail.  Pitbull is is lighting on his feet.  If Warren can get his hands on Pitbull he has a shot but that is a difficult task to complete.  Warren avoids a punch and grabs a double leg.  He falls into the very good guard of Pitbull.  From the top position Warren lands several heavy strikes including several elbows.  Warren wins the 2nd round to even up the fight.  Amazing heart… 3rd round and final round- The round begins with some explosive strikes by each fighter.  Warren lands another great take down and works from Pitbull’s guard.  Patricio works impressive wrist control to keep Warren at bay but is still eating some elbows.  Warren postures up and lands some heavy blows behind the chant of USA-USA-USA.  Warren is maintaining his balance due to the dangerous ground game of Pitbull.  They scramble and Pitbull gets to his feet only to go down with an elite take down.  With 20 seconds left the fight goes to the stand-up where Warren grabs another double leg as the round expires.  WOW!!  I give to Warren 29-28.  Official Decision Joe Warren via split decision That my friends is the epitome of hear-the wrestler heart!  That performance is what a wrestler is all about.  What a win for Warren!!

Nick Mamalis 9-4 vs. Albert Rios 12-4 Bantamweight: Good leg kicks by Mamalis to start the fight.  He then lands a strong shot which rattles Rios.  They separate and take a deep breath.  Both of these guys are quick and active.  Great sprawl shone by Mamalis who then transitions into a nice take down.  Mamalis catches a leg kick and forces Rios against the cage.  The strength advantage thus far is clearly to Mamalis.  Nick gets teh take down but gets in a very tight guillotine choke but manages to escape.  Mamalis is very active and accurate with his strikes.  He is switchingstances throughout.  Mamalis lands heaby strikes which sends Rios to the ground where he unleashes an onslaught of strikes.  An impressive victory by Mamalis.  Official Decision: Mamalis via TKO due to strikes 4:40 into the 1st round

Daniel Straus 10-2 vs. Chad Hinton 6-1 Lightweight: This should be a great fight between two of Cincinnati’s finest.  Hinton in the southpaw stance with Straus in the traditional stance.  Straus lands a quick shot and they get into a clinch with Straus landing a take down.  Hinton uses his strength to power out.  They stay tied up with little action occurring.  Straus lands a nice judo throw/trip and gets the top position.  From the bottom Hinton attempts to grab kimura but it is a tough angle.  Nothing is happening as Hinton has Straus’ left arm controlled.  Both fighters are exerted a substantial amount of energy.  Straus escapes and gains a full mount position forcing Hinton to give up his back.  Chad manages to get back to his feet.  Hinton grabs a standing guillotine which appears to be tight but Straus escapes and gains the top position as the round ends.  First round goes to Straus.  2nd round- The fighters touch gloves to begin the round.  Daniel goes in hard with strikes but gets nothing.  He then manages a take down and gains side control.  Straus has managed to off set Hinton’s strength advantage with his length and balance.  From the top Straus lands several strikes to the ribs.  Hinton manages to get back to his feet with just over 2 minutes left in the round.  Straus grabs an impressive double leg take down (Straus was a very good wrestler in high school).  From the top Straus lands several strikes and holds his position.  Straus lands several hammer strikes from the top.  The round ends with Straus on top in side control.  Straus helps Hinton up at the end of the round.  The 2nd round goes to Straus.  3rd round- Hinton throws some strikes to begin the round but nothing lands.  A few exchanges are made then Straus goes to his bread and butter and ties Hinton up.  Straus gets up voluntarily and the fight goes back to the stand up.  Hinton misses a spinning back fist and Straus takes advantage of it by landing a solid high kick.  Daniel keeps the top position but does nothing with it forcing the referee to stand them up.  Hinton switches to the orthodox stance as the fighters exchange punches.  Hinton blocks a head kick and then they tie up.  From there Straus lands another double leg take down.  Straus lands several strikes as the fight resumes on their feet which sends Hinton back pedaling.  Straus lands another take down as the round ends.  Straus should win via UD.  Official Decision Daniel Straus via UD Straus and Hinton are both very classy guys.  They both were tremendous sports as they always are.

John Troyer (10-4) vs. Brent Weedman (14-5) Welterweight: Two Louisville natives set to go at it in what should be a great fight.  The fight begins with a quick clinch.  The fight goes to the ground as Weedman grabs a choke.  Troyer escapes and grabs the top position.  They scramble with neither fighter gaining an advantage.  Troyer gets on top and lands some solid strikes but is taking down by his foot and manages to escape a heel lock.  They transition again and Troyer lands several heavy strikes forcing Weedman to give up his back but he transitions again-this time into side control.  Weedman forces Troyer against the cage but it’s a stale mate until Weedman gets teh take down.  From there he lands some heavy blows and grabs an arm bar near the end of the round which forces Troyer to tap out.  An impressive victory by Weedman.  Official Decision Weedman via tap out due to arm bar

That is all tonight fight fans from the home of The Greatest—See you next time.

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Lightweight Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – The night’s fourth fight is underway with referee Al Wichgers getting the assignment.  Imada comes in with a heavy left that is blocked partially by Krause.  Krause hits with an inside leg kick.  Imada lunges in and misses.  Krause gets seperation with a front kick.  Krause hits with a body kick and then an inside leg kick.  Imada shoots and gets the takedown.  He works from Krause’s guard.  Imada uses some strikes from a standing position and then transitions to try and take the back of Krause.  Krause defends, but Imada ends up in a better side control position.  Imada stands back up and hits Krause twice more with punches.  Imada works hammer fists and then moves to a reverse triangle choke attempt.  Krause works out of the bad position and moves to Imada’s guard.  Imada looks comfortable from his back hitting with elbows.  Krause jumps up and then back into Imada’s guard.  Krause tries to pass guard but cant, so he works on Imada’s body.  Imada is just as busy from the bottom.  They both make it back to their feet as the bell ends round one.

Unoffical Scoring - Imada 10-9

2nd round – The second of three rounds begins, and Imada pressures Krause.  Krause pushes his jab in Imada’s face.  Imada takes it to the ground and works to take Krause’s back.  Krause acrambles and gets back up and dumps Imada on his back.  He has Imada pressed up against the cage fence with control of Imada’s arm.  Imada gets his arm back and puts Krause on his back and begins to work in his guard.  Imada hits with some looping right hands and then gets warned for hitting the back of the head.  Krause scrambles and switches positions into Imada’s guard now.  Imada has Krause’s arm and quickly makes him tap as he tries to pull out of the submission.  It was over before Krause could think of an escape.

Official Decision – Imada over Krause 2nd round submission (2:44)

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Welterweight Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – Dave Smith is the third man in the cage.  After a intense staredown, they are finally at it.  Thomas works his jab and hits, but is taken to the ground shortly after.  Askren is working from Thomas’ guard.  Thomas catches Askren in a triangle choke but after a struggle, he gets out.  Askren is right back in Thomas’ guard but quickly moves to side mount.  Askren is attempting a darce choke, but Thomas pulls out.  Askren is on his feet now hitting with knees.  The action is back on the ground after a trip by Askren.  Askren works from side mount and then moves to north south position.  He finishes the bout after the referee calls a stoppage from a choke.  Thomas argues the call but the referee’s decision is final.

Official Decision – Askren over Thomas 1st round technical submission (2:40)

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Featherweight Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – This fight will be referee Al Wichgers to call.  The action begins with Lierley missing with a right.  Reis grabs Lierley’s waist but cant get him to the ground.  Lierley escapes a takedown by Reis.  Reis hits a leg kick and then misses with a right.  Reis swinging for the fences but misses with most of his.  They are locked up in a clinch until Reis dumps Lierley on his back.  Reis is in Lierley’s full guard to start.  Reis is quickly working to pass but Lierley is resisting.  Reis moves to Lierley’s half-guard and now to mount position.  Reis is smothering his opponent and controlling him with his body.  Lierley escapes with a desperate try and gets back to his feet.  They lock up again and Reis falls to the ground but then again back up.  It isnt long before Reis trips Lierley up again and gets his back.  Lierley is trying to gain wrist control.  Reis scrambles and goes for an armbar but cant finish, Lierely is out.  Lierley takes Reis to the ground but not for long; both fighters are back up as the bell rings ending the first round.

Unofficial Scoring – Reis 10-9

2nd round – The 2nd round is underway and Reis hits with a leg kick.  Lierley hits with a right hand and Reis immediately takes it to the floor.  Reis works through Lierley’s half guard.  Now in Lierley’s full guard, Reis works punches to his body.  Reis quickly moves into Lierley’s half guard and continues to try and open up his guard with punches.  Reis is now on his feet striking with Lierley.  Lierley lands a knee but it is caught by Reis who is trying to convert it to a takedown.  He does, and begins immediately to work from Lierley’s full guard.  Reis works the body of Lierley and then moves to the head.  Reis transitions to side mount and then back to half guard.  Reis is beginning to work his knees and then more punches.  Lierley is generating no offense but continues to stay strong with his guard.  Reis is now in side mount and connecting with some solid knees.  Reis is tight to Lierley’s body and still trying to pass.  Reis stand up and continues to work Lierley’s body as he gets back in his guard.

Unofficial Scoring - Reis 10-9

3rd round – The final round is underway with both fighters looking fresh.  Reis hits with a left and then a kick.  He makes Lierley miss with his right hand and takes the fight to the ground where he immediatey smothers him.  Lierley gets his guard working as Reis begins to work his punches.  Reis gets a mount position and trys to land punches to the head of Lierley.  Lierley is doing a good job of avoiding the punches.  Lierley escapes to half guard and out of immediate trouble.  Reis is working the body and head of Lierley.  Lierley trys to work offense from his back but cant get much going.  Reis stays on the offensive and moves from side mount to half guard.  Reis works the head of Lierley and then gets wrist control.  Reis mounts and works his ground and pound.  Lierley panics and rolls over, Reis takes advantage, gets his back and sinks in the fight ending rear naked choke.

Official Decision – Reis over Lierley 3rd round submission (3:33)

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Lightweight Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – Referee Dave Smith starts the lightweights off and Curran approaches Ricci first.  Ricci checks a kick by Curran and then a front kick.  Curran is working his kicks but not connecting on many.  Both fighters connect with kicks and then Curran misses with a head kick.  Ricci is working his jab as he feels out Curran.  Curran continues to throw his kicks but misses again. Ricci hits with a front kick of his own.  Ricci hits with a left but takes a body kick by his opponent.  Curran just misses with a heavy right hook, but hits with a light kick.  Curran then explodes with a heavy overhand right hand that knocks Ricci out before he hits the ground.  No more damage is needed and this fight is over.

Official Decision – Curran over Ricci 1st round KO (3:01)

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Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – Vanier comes out and fakes a leg kick.  Vanier falls after a head kick attempt and Duarte jumps toward him.  Vanier pushes Duarte away and dances around the cage.  Duarte stands and pushes a couple of jabs at Vanier.  Vanier moves around Duarte and drops down for an excellent takedown.  Vanier is on top of Duarte in his half guard.  Duarte makes it up to his feet and lands a knee up the middle.  Both fighter throw and land with knees and they seperate.  Vanier hits with a weak leg kick and then takes a knee as he shoots for a takedown.  He gets the takedown nonetheless and works from Duarte’s guard.  They scramble for a couple moments and then return to their feet.  Duarte rushes in and throws a knee that is defended by Vanier.  Vanier hits with a right hand and then is tagged by Duarte as the round ends.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Vanier 10-9

2nd round – Vanier squeezes out this middle round with his ground and pound attack.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Vanier 10-9

3rd round – Vanier gets the fight to the ground and works punches to Duarte’s head and body.  For a moment it looked as if Duarte was knocked out but he stays at it and takes more punishment from the bottom.  Vanier works from side control and grabs Duarte’s arm and connects with punches at the same time.  Duarte gives up his back and Vanier hits with knees to Duarte’s body.  Duarte scrambles and gets to his feet.  Vanier leaves his head exposed and Duarte grabs his neck.  He loses the position shortly after and Vanier takes control once again.  Vanier takes his back and begins to assault Duarte until the referee steps in and stops anymore unnecesary beating.

OFFICIAL SCORING – Vanier over Duarte 3rd round TKO (4:14)

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Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – Huerta and Hinton move to the center and Huerta clinches with his opponent.  Hinton moves and pushes Huerta against the cage fence.  Huerta transitions around and they make it to the center of the cage for a moment.  Huerta breaks free and squares off.  Huerta throws Hinton to the floor and moves to take his back.  Hinton moves away and makes it back to his feet.  They both get back to their feet after some grappling and Hinton connects with a knee up the middle.  Huerta has a clinch on Hinton and begins to work the body.  Hinton grabs Huerta’s neck now and hits with a couple of knees.  They seperate and Hinton gets the fight to the floor.  As soon as the fight hits the ground, Huerta grabs Hinton’s neck.  He loses that position and they make it back up on their feet.  Huerta hits with a right ahdn Hinton defends and throws Huerta to the ground.  Hinton jumps on Huerta’s back and tries to sink in a rear nakes choke.  Huerta outlasts and reverses and begins his ground and pound attack as the round ends.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Huerta 10-9

2nd round – Huerta moves to the center of the cage and hits with a right hand.  Hinton back up and misses with a head kick.  Huerta lands a couple of flurries until Hinton clinches.  They hit the floor and Huerta gets on top where he hits with ground strikes.  Hinton is breathing heavy and Huerta stays active unloading with punches.  Huerta is in Hinton’s guard and mixing it up from the face to the body of Hinton.  Huerta stands up and lands a right to Hinton’s body.  Huerta jumps into side control where he tries to move to a crucifix position.  Hinton is taking several unanswered punches to the head.  Huerta opens a cut on Hinton and continues his assault.  Huerta transitions to side control and then to full mount.  Huerta pounds on Hinton’s head but the bell saves him.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Huerta 10-9

3rd round – Hinton is slow to rise off his stool at the start of the final round.  Huerta looks fresh and begins with a kick to the body of Hinton.  Huerta catches a Hinton kick and defends.  Huerta drops to the ground and immediately goes for a kneebar.  Hinton defends for a moment but Huerta executes perfectly and Hinton taps out.

OFFICIAL SCORING – Huerta over Hinton 3rd round submission (0:56)

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Featherweight Tournament  Quarterfinal Bout

1st round – Warren quickly takes the center cage position and Marriott is not far behind.  Warren shoots in and connects with a knee and gets the takedown fairly easy.  He is in side mount and then begins to pound on Marriott’s face.  Marriott is trying to control Warren’s arms but is failing at doing that.  Warren is staying busy by hitting with knees to Marriott’s thighs.  Warren is still in control but Marriott grabs Warren’s leg as he gets up.  They seperate and then tie up once again.  Warren slams Marriott on his back and taps him in the face with several hammer fists.  Marriott gets to the guard position and gets Warren’s arm.  Warren struggles to get his arm out but finally does.  Marriott now has a tight triangle choke on Warren.  Warren attempts to turn out of it and is saved by the bell.  The choke was tight.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Warren 10-9

2nd round – Warren comes out and throws a punch so that he can move in for the takedown.  Warren gets the takedown and begins to hit Marriott with hammer fists.  Marriott continues to look for an arm of Warren’s but Warren stays busy throwing elbows, punches, and knees.  Marriott is showing a lot of patience with defense.  Warren continues his torrid pace connecting with elbows to his face.  Warren then moves and works the body of Marriott.  Warren is now connecting more often with punches from top position.  Marriott continues to try and get from the bottom of Warren but is having trouble doing that.  Warren tags Marriott with punches to the chest and abs of Marriott.  Warren tags his opponent in the face as the bell sounds.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Warren 10-9

3rd round – The last round is underway and Warren hits with an overhand right.  He moves to take the fight to the floor and gets it there.  Warren is in Marriott’s guard hammering fists to Marriot’s face.  Marriott pushes Warren away and gets to his feet.  Warren chases Marriott back down and drags him back to the ground.  Warren is now throttling Marriott with punches from a standing position.  Marriott is going for the armbar but Warren slams his way out.  Warren goes back to working Marriott’s face with punches.  Warren stands up and throws several bombs from the top position.  Marriott hits with a weak elbow from bottom and Warren stays dominant from the top.  Warren hits with an elbow and then a right hand.  Marriott concentrates on Warren’s head but cant get control.  Warren stays on top of Marriott and moves to take his back.  Marriott escapes and gets to his feet where he tries a couple of desperate moves but none that amount to anything.  The bell ends the final round.

UNOFFICIAL SCORING – Warren 10-9  UNOFFICIAL DECISION – Warren 30-27

OFFICIAL DECISION – Warren over Marriott unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal

1st round – Quach comes out with a leg kick but Karakhanyan defends.  Quach drops his opponent with a hard right and then jumps on top of him on the ground.  After some grappling on the floor they both get up and Quach is chased to the fence.  Quach turns Karakanyan around and grabs his neck.  Quach is threatening a guillotine choke from his knees.  Quach is moving to take his opponents back.  Back in a standing position, Karakhanyan connects with a leg kick and a hard right hand.  Quach gets the fight back to the floor where he attempts to utilize his knees to the body.  Karakhanyan gets back up and chases Quach to the fence and connects with a hard knee to the chin.  Quach goes down and is immediately out and the referee intervenes.  Quach is still lying on his back unconscious.

OFFICIAL DECISION – Karakhanyan over Quach 1st round KO (4:05)