Thursday, March 4, 2010
Epic End to an Epic Saga
Last night Christian "Wargod" Darrow showed up at James Funaro's gym on Long Island for the bout that was supposed to happen at the UCL, and the result was a predictable KO for Funaro. By all accounts, and his own admission, Darrow has a drug problem and witnesses say it was evident. But credit should go to both men - for Darrow, who knew going in that he was going to take a beating, and for Funaro for showing class and restraint. According to Anil Melwani over at www.MMA.us, as soon as his opponent dropped Funaro was immediately helping him up. For an incredibly hyped challenge match, one on par with the legendary Kimbo vs. Gannon or Hermes Franca vs. Manny Reyes bouts, there was no bad blood whatsoever. It was all just business. Serious, Internet business. Check out Anil's site for pics.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
UCL Postscript
Although there were only four fights, they were pretty good, with Eric Blasich and Kirkland Campbell really going at it, Jonathan Velez and Dante Thomas waging war and Chris Corr proving yet again that he's a dominant force at 132 pounds. The Northeast is stocked with quite a few tough, highly-skilled bantamweights out there both at the amateur level and pro - he definitely belongs in the mix. However, one thing that should not be overlooked is how good Doug "Lionheart" Ahammer is and how much he's improved on the ground. He was way more of an offensive grappling threat in this rematch. That, plus the fact that he fights like a Tasmanian Devil on meth, makes for one exciting fighter. Lastly, props to James Funaro for showing up to fight even after being KO'd the night before, and boo on Christian "Wargod" Darrow for pulling a no-show. There were a ton of people there to see that bout and quite a few more photographers than usual. Wargod let everyone down.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Liveblog: UCL Part 4
Three-hundred pound warrior James Kene enters to take on Israel Martinez, and this one is abrupt and furious, as Kene bullrushes in with punches and Martinez battles back and gets him off balance. Kene trips and Martinez is on him like a predator, blasting him until Kene taps out. Obasi and promoter Peter Storm get in the ring to hype their fight at an upcoming UCL, and Funaro gets in the ring to announce that the absent Darrow is a clown. Last bout and it's a rematch between New Gen Karate's Chris Corr and Empire Fight Factory's Lionheart. When last they fought it went the distance, with Corr's superb grappling giving him the edge and enabling him to take the decision. This time is no different, although Lionheart is definitely a threat with various triangle choke and guillotine attempts and some elbows from the bottom. Corr takes the unanimous decision when time runs out. And that's that.
Liveblog: UCL Part 3
James Funaro is here and ready, but Wargod is a no show. First up is veteran fighter Kirkland Campbell against New Generation Karate's Eric Blasich. Campbell is an ace ground-and-pounder who's been in a ton of wars, while Blasich is young and mean - which translates into a close three-round battle. Round 1 sees Blasich sprawling hard and working a D'Arce, and when Campbell does get him down, Blasich does a solid job of neutralizing Campbell's punch-party. Rounds 2 and 3 play out in similar fashion, Campbell's takedowns an almost unstoppable force and Blasich's submissions and striking from the bottom a constant, and when time runs out Blasich takes the split decision in a good fight. Next: John Velez of Ultimate Karate against Dante Thomas of Empire Fight Factory. This one is an absolute war, with Velez giving up 40 pounds but unafraid to throw down. For all three rounds Thomas gets Velez down and drops leather, and for all three rounds Velez is blasting away with upkicks, elbows, fists - everything. Thomas takes the unanimous decision thanks to his concise grappling and aggression, but it's a good showing by both men.
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