“Martial Law” Keeps MMA Alive in the Big Apple

*originally published in Jan '05 issue of Full Contact Fighter*

It was the kind of match-up seen in the UFCs of old, the kind of “David-versus-Goliath” spectacle that thrills thousands in Japan’s Pride FC. On December 19th, at an undisclosed location in Queens, New York, 200-pound warrior Kaream Ellington took on 335-pound wrestler Bryan Vetell - and after almost seven grueling minutes of punishment, David reversed Goliath to hammer out the come-from-behind win.

The event, dubbed “Martial Law”, was the fourth installment of NYC’s only amateur NHB promotion, and though the production was less than smooth (too many kids rapping) and the card was a mere three MMA bouts, one shootfight-style bout, and one grappling match (whittled down due to last-minute fighter drop-outs), there was enough action to bring the close to 150 cheering spectators to their feet.

“Patience, perseverance and respect for your opponent,” said South Bronx Fight Team’s Ellington on what it took to secure victory against Carmine Zocchi Jiu-jitsu rep Vetell, who, though making his MMA debut, was a former state Greco-Roman champ. Ellington, a pro fighter who’s been competing in Muay Thai of late, spent the vast majority of the bout side-mounted and fending off armlock and keylock attempts. Said the now 7-3 veteran: “I just had to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. But I was properly prepared and did my thing.”

Almost as impressive as Ellington’s star performance was the brawl between 230-pound wing chun-stylist Sean Obasi and 235-pound wrestler and Combined Martial Arts representative Dave Richards. Yes, this fight was over when it hit the ground, but with all the fast and furious leather thrown, it was a ton of fun getting there. Rounding out the MMA portion of the night, 165-pound Mike Richardson of Combined Martial Arts out-strike a game 155-pound Francis Perolta from ThaiSport, unloading with a string of unanswered knees from the clinch that had Perolta on the ropes - and had the ref stepping in. In the shootfighting-style match (no striking on the ground, no closed-fist punches on the feet), 160-pound Combined Martial Arts fighter Rob Guarino traded kicks with 155-pound Richie Torres of the South Bronx Fight Team. The tapout came when Torres dropped to guard and Guarino dropped back into a leglock, but it was a fast-paced affair throughout. And in the grappling match, a smooth and technical 135-pounder from ThaiSport named Tommie Goodrich wasted no time in slapping the triangle choke on Guarino to get the submission.

“I thought it was a great show,” said co-promoter Peter Storm, who usually dons his blue judo gi and black belt and gets into the ring, but sat this one out with an injury. “I wish we had more fights, but as always, we get fighters back out at the last minute.” He mentions the next show, “Body Count”, which will be on February 13th - this time in the Bronx. With four events in the books now, the potential match-ups of returning fighters sounds intriguing: Vetell against a 345-pound judo green belt, Obasi and his wing chun against a Five-Animal kung fu instructor, Ellington against anyone bold enough to get into the ring with him. If this promotion keeps growing the way it has - and can iron out its wrinkles - it will go a long way to keeping MMA alive in the Big Apple.