On October 3, 2009 TAMMA once again presented MMA at Cowboys Dance Hall, and again have outdone themselves. It was an event filled with thrills, chills, and a few surprises. The first fight was a strong bout between Arturo Flores and Michael Alexander, and what a way to start off the night, fantastic action by both competitors ending with a Flores submission win by arm bar over Alexander. In the heavyweight division we saw two up-and-comers in Jared Haile and Jeff Fross. Solid action, but in the end Jared Haile could not make it out of his corner between the second and third round. Thus reminding everyone what an important role conditioning plays in fighting; just as much as striking and grappling. Next we saw a wierd ending, with Steven Flores submitting Michael Goss with an arm bar, only to slip off Goss’s arm while he was tapping out. Both Flick brothers were on the card, but unfortunately only one of them would have a successful night. Jimmy Flick impressed the audience with a triangle choke on Amador Estrada in just :35 seconds of round number 1. There was also some controversy with an early stoppage of the fight in which Aaron Lanfranco TKO’d Andrew Sancho. Many in the audience thought that referee Mark Calo-oy called it too early, as the fighter was still moving position. What had many people talking, though, was the annihilation of Brandon Powers by “CJ” Vergara. In his amateur debut Vergara knocked out Powers in :33 seconds of the first round and impressed the audience and TAMMA’s very special guests, who stated Vergara is someone to keep an eye on. The second intermission was cut into by TAMMA’s guests of honor: the President of WEC Reed Harrison, WEC’s PR Director David Sholler, WEC fighter Will Campuzano, and UFC’s very own Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello.They all thanked the audience for the support of MMA in San Antonio and passed out free items including tickets to the October 10 show at the AT&T Center. In another fight that some fans thought was called early Lester Clark TKO’d Austin O’Riley in the first round. In what may have been fight of the night, Daniel Jolly vs. Michael Mitchell fought to a unanimous decision for Jolly. Early in the first round Mitchell looked completely dominating and in charge of the fight, but the headstrong Jolly collected himself and came back to win all three rounds. Improving his record to 3-0 now, Jolly had moved up to light heavyweight for this fight. Nick Helak of team No Pain scored a huge victory with a rear naked choke, :35 second in the first, on his opponent Matt Mazurek. Unfortunately, the referee could not see Mazurek tapping out. Mazurek lost consciousness, but was on his feet momentarily. The main event of the night featured Danny Flick vs. Andy Chiu for the Fly Weight Championship. This was the only fight to be called due to injury, as Flick may have pulled his shoulder in the first round. It was a shame to see a fight end this way as it looked to be an entertaining bout. Maybe we could see his brother Jimmy vs. Andy as both are now 5-0, for the title. It was a great night for fights. This card had everything from decision victories to KO’s. Look for another great set of fights on November 14th at Heroes’ Championship and on December 5th at Fight Fest 16. Until then, see you at WEC on Saturday October 10th. Raul Rangel
The first Zuffa venture to the city of San Antonio, WEC 43 will take place on Saturday Oct.10, at the AT&T Center. This is old news by now, but for those of you who haven’t heard, tickets start at only $25. Doors open at 5pm, and the fights start at 6pm. If you can’t make it, the fights will be live on Versus.
If you made it out to TAMMA’s Texas Fight Fest 15, then you had a good time. Also, you had a chance to meet native Texan fighters Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello, and Will Campuzano who will be debuting in the WEC at this Saturday’s event. We even got to hear a few promises and praises from WEC President Reed Harris and PR Manager Dave Sholler.
The WEC will be back at Cowboy’s Dance Hall on Friday for the official weigh-ins. This is another event not to be missed. There will be an opportunity to meet the fighters weighing in, and Frank Mir, WEC commentator and UFC superstar will be in attendance. WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Thomas Brown, and lightweight title holder Jaime Varner will also be there.
It’s a damn good week for MMA in San Antonio. The Tapout Tour will be in town Friday and Saturday. My guess is that they scheduled the event here so they could check out the WEC show. On Friday they will be at Image Trendwear at Rolling Oaks Mall with Jens “Little Evil” Pulver from 1-3pm, and on Saturday Nate “The Great” Marquardt will join at Black Fly at Ingram Plaza 1-3pm.
-Drew Wallen
THE WEC 43 FIGHT CARD
Main event:
155 lbs.: Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (10-1) vs. Ben “Smooth” Henderson (9-1) for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title
Main card (Televised):
155 lbs.: Rich Crunkilton (16-2) vs. Dave Jansen (12-0)
135 lbs.: Damacio Page (11-4) vs Will Campuzano
145 lbs.: Raphael Assuncao (13-1) vs. Yves “Tiger” Jabouin (14-4)Under card (May not be televised):
155 lbs.: Anthony Njokuani (10-2) vs. Muhsin Corbbrey (7-3)
135 lbs.: Scott Jorgensen (6-3) vs. Noah Thomas
145 lbs.: Wagnney Fabiano (12-1) vs. Mackens Semerzier (3-0)
135 lbs.: Manny “The Mangler” Tapia (10-2-1) vs. Eddie Wineland (14-6-1)
135 lbs.: Coty “Ox” Wheeler (10-1) vs. Charlie Valencia (10-5)
145 lbs.: Deividas Taurosevicius vs. Javier Vazquez
This saturday marks the historical landmark in MMA history with the broadcast of UFC 100. And, TAMMA and 98.5 The Beat want you to come watch the show at club Rain, 516 Brooklyn Ave. Come watch the event with some of the most talented and up and coming fighters in South Texas. Also, register to win front row tickets to Fightfest 14. Show starts at 9pm so get there early to get a good seat as this looks to be the biggest UFC event in history.
Raul Rangel
At VongPhet Muay Thai Academy this saturday, May 16, there will be an open sparring session. Anyone who is formally trained in martial arts is welcome to compete. Ku Phet, owner and Shadowfist and Muay Thai Master, can be contacted at 210-860-9676 for information and RSVP. There will be a weigh-in at 10am, and the first fights should start at noon, and run until about 4pm. The School is located at 2819 Hillcrest Dr., at the intersection of Babcock Rd. Spectators are always welcome, and TAMMA will be there.
-Drew Wallen
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