Ring of Combat III: Heart and Aggression

*originally published Jun '03 on fullcontactfighter.com*

(June 7th, Morristown, New Jersey) To the tune of over two thousand spectators, promoters Lou Neglia and Ray Longo’s Ring of Combat III gave some top-notch local boys a chance to shine here at the Mennen Sports Arena - and shine they did. Representatives from Team Renzo Gracie, the Serra/Longo Competition Team, Team Tiger Schulmann, Pitt’s Penn and Ultimate Sambo gave it their all. Highlights of the night included:

• James Gabert’s heart. As predicted, Rodriguez came to throw down, but with the 185-pound belt on the line it was Gabert’s hand that was eventually raised in victory. At one point, the heavy-handed Rodriguez seemed to have him out, but the “Angry Snowman” held on and soon turned the tide. This was the fight of the night!
• Elvis Garcia’s overwhelming aggression. Coupled with his accurate punches, this was the deciding factor in the 160-pound championship bout. Garcia is the man at 160 pounds!

Results

Grappling-only

Mike Wojcik (Team Freedom-147lbs) vs. Chris DiPaolo (Tong Dragon-157lbs)

DiPaulo via unanimous decision after 10 minutes.

Steve Kim (Team Renzo Gracie-177lbs) vs. Michael Wright (Ultimate Sambo-179lbs)

Kim via triangle choke at 1:46.

Pro MMA

185-pound Ring of Combat Championship

James “Angry Snowman” Gabert (Team Renzo Gracie-184lbs) vs. Jose Rodriguez (Pitt’s Penn-185lbs)

Gabert via unanimous decision after three rounds. Gabert is the new Ring of Combat 185-pound champ.

Tom Muller (Team Serra/Longo-205lbs) vs. Eirik Certo (Ultimate Sambo-197lbs)

Muller via rear choke at 2:04 of the round one.

Jay White (Team Renzo Gracie-242lbs) vs. Eric Shaver (Bellmore Kickboxing Academy-253lbs)

White via ref stoppage due to unanswered strikes at 4:17 of round one.

Luke Cummo (Team Serra/Longo-175lbs) vs. Dave Tirelli (Team Tiger Schulmann-175lbs)

Cummo via doctor stoppage (due to a cut above Tirelli’s nose) at :46 of round two.

Pete “Drago” Sells (Team Serra/Longo-187lbs) vs. Derek Johnson (BAMA/Team Endgame-189lbs)

Sells via armbar at 2:03 of the first round. A good showing for Drago, despite a premature referee stoppage that had them restarting in the same position - with Johnson’s arm fully extended.

160-pound Ring of Combat Championship

Nardu Debra (Team Renzo Gracie/Universal Self-Defense-157lbs) vs. Elvis Garcia (Team Tiger Schulmann-161lbs)

Garcia via referee stoppage due to unanswered strikes at 1:34 of round one - his aggressiveness was just too much for Debra. Garcia is now the new Ring of Combat 160-pound champ.