CFC 7 – The Battle of the Big Top
(PRESS RELEASE) -- Middleweight Championship bout
84kg
Ron Verdadero v Hector “Shango” Lombard
Crowd favourite and CFC veteran Hector “Shango” Lombard returned to Sydney to defend his championship belt against the tough Hawaiian Ron Verdadero.
After a warm welcome, Shango wasted no time landing a big right hand that put Verdadero down. Lombard chased in, but Verdadero was already recovering from the hook. Lombard took the opportunity to get his stunned opponent’s back, standing up and delivering a huge suplex that almost put Verdadero out again. Quick to finish it off, Lombard delivered some vicious ground strikes, eventually forcing the TKO.
Hector left with another win and title defence, and dedicated his performance to the country he now calls home - Australia. His most devastating performance to date, it will be intriguing to see how he matches up to the stiffer competition in the US.
Lightweight Championship bout
70kg
Rob Hill v Bernardo Trekko
Controversy reigned in the final round of the Eliminator tournament from the CFC#6 card, as comeback kid Rob Hill took on undefeated Brazilian Bernardo Trekko.
Trekko opened his account with a stiff right that caught Hill by surprise but did not damage him. A clearly stunned Hill turned angry, starting to work his strikes and forcing Trekko to search for his ground skills. Trekko landed a takedown from the clinch but Hill was quick to get back to his feet. Trekko relentlessly worked Hill for another takedown from the clinch, succeeding again.
Trekko worked his way to half guard before Hill, trying to escape, gave up his back but the round ended before Trekko could use the advantage.
The opening of the second round saw a fierce exchange, with Trekko getting another takedown only for Hill to capitalise by reversing and landing a couple of monster punches that went undefended. Hill, utilising his tremendous ground striking through the Brazilian’s guard, earned his way to a TKO victory and a world championship.
There was some confusion in the stoppage as Trekko seemed unharmed when he rose. But senior referee Steve Perceval saw that Trekko had been “flash” KO’d and as he was showing no defense, intelligently called the stoppage. In true Brazilian style, drama erupted cageside with Trekko’s corner attempting to storm the cage, one succeeding, walking straight up to Perceval waving his finger directly in front of the referee’s face. It was neither calm, nor respectful.
A poor end to the night for a well-deserved champion. A little respect from both the crowd and opposition corner was poorly lacking.
Fight 7 - 70kg
Adrian “The Hunter” Pang v Denis Kelly
Irishman Kelly came out striking, but slipped a quick kick to the groin of Pang. The fight was stalled to allow Pang recovery. Kelly apologised and the fight resumed. Both exchange and briefly clinch.
Pang forced his way inside to clinch. Moving to the Thai clinch, he slipped a knee on Kelly that stunned him. Pang dragged his opponent to the ground but was unable to finish him off.
Pang methodically struck from the guard of Kelly, turning it up toward the end of the round where he landed some solid elbows. But, with the clock having run out, Pang could not take the victory at that point.
The start of the second round saw Pang come out kicking, but Kelly managed to counter with the right hand. Pang fought his way back, landing a combo that put Kelly down. This time, the Irishman did not have luck on his side and “The Hunter” went on to finish the fight by TKO.
Fight 6 - 65kg
Richie Vas v Ross Macleod
Sydney-based pro surfer Richie Vas made short work of his opponent Ross Macleod. Hitting a huge right overhand, Vas left MacLeod on the floor, much to the delight of the fans. There’s nothing like a 12 second stoppage to get a crowd on its feet, let alone a largely parochial one.
Fight 5 - 77kg
Jon Leven v Chris “The White Sniper” Johnson
Both fighters came out swinging. Leven showed no fear of his world-class kickboxing opponent, and with good reason as he quickly muscled his way inside Johnson and threw the New Zealander to the mat. From here Leven moved straight to the mount and took Johnson’s back soon after.
After a scramble, the fighters got back to their feet. Johnson was looking to use his striking pedigree to open up on Leven, but again Leven persevered and went to take Johnson down. There was a break called for a cage grab in this clinch.
Johnson landed a couple of hard shots on Leven before being taken down once again. Leven worked hard to secure position, taking mount and full back control quickly. He then worked for a choke that forced Johnson to tap out.
A side note to this fight is that Chris Johnson had only five weeks training in ground fighting before taking this fight.
Fight 4 - 70kg
Tony Ourico v Jason Harris
Harris went into this fight aggressively but was taken down by Brazilian fighter Ourico. Moving to half guard, Ourico threw an unnoticed knee to the head of Harris. Still in half guard working ground and pound, Ourico threw another knee to Harris’ head, stalling the fight while the referee tended to the matter. Harris took his time to recover, clearly shaken by the strikes. Ourico, seemingly confused by the ruling, received a warning and the fight resumed when Harris said he was able to continue.
Harris came back with some solid leg kicks and worked to clinch his opponent. Some loose knees were thrown from both fighters before Harris found himself hanging onto a guillotine choke. Harris pulled guard to try and secure the submission, but the experienced jiu-jitsu fighter in Ourico emerged and he passed to the mount.
Round 1 finished with Ourico on Harris’ back. Although Ourico fought off a choke, he seemed to be in more control of this round.
Harris again came out aggressively at the start of the second round, throwing a variety of strikes from leg kick to spinning back fist. Nothing significant landed and Ourico moved in to take the clinch and avoid more strikes. After an even wilder clinching episode, Harris wanted nothing to do with it, uppercutting his way from Ourico’s grasp and moving back to his favourite position of striking.
Harris found a good groove, landing leg kicks and really mixing his strikes, using superman punches and high kicks to set up his punches.
Harris slipped late in the round, giving Ourico another chance to clinch. Ourico took the back, though Harris was quick to get back into half guard. Harris pushed Ourico away and the round finished with Harris throwing up kicks at his opponent from his back.
A close round for both fighters. Harris coming out slightly more aggressive gave him this round.
The final round was uneventful and saw the two men spending most of their time clinching, with no significant strikes thrown. Ourico pushed for several takedowns without landing any. Harris tried body shots in the clinch but did not phase Ourico. Ourico did little while clinching, forcing a break. Neither threw any committing strikes.
As the round drew to a close, Ourico tried one more takedown but failed to get it in time.
The fight goes to deserved Jason Harris by judge’s decision.
Fight 3 - 105kg
Jeff King v Lucas Browne
Jeff King charged in to start the fight, ending up clinched and pressed against the cage by 117kg Kung Fu practitioner Lucas Browne. Browne was much stronger in the clinch, bullying his opponent to the mat where he worked efficient elbows and forearm strikes. Moving to side control, Browne continued his assault on the now bloody King. King worked his way back to guard but was met with a massive elbow strike from Browne.
After a scramble from the guard, King found fortune in his favour, as he ended up reversing position to side control on Browne. This did not last long as Browne created a scramble of his own and got back to the dominant position, though King worked his guard back.
King, going for an armbar late in the round, wound up slammed hard by the powerful Browne who dropped some huge fists on his stunned adversary. The fight was called soon after.
Lucas Browne wins by TKO.
Fight 2 - 62kg
Kian “Karnage” Pham v Phil Lai
Victorian Phil Lai started the fight well. With an air of confidence he looks to pick his shots, working a clinch and landing some solid knees to the midsection of Kian Pham. During the clinch game, Pham jumped to guard only to be put down hard on his back by Lai. On the ground, Lai continued to work and advance position on a relatively flat looking Pham. Lai attempted to take a knee, but aborted and went back into half guard where he worked in some more strikes.
The fight stagnated, forcing the referee to stand the pair up.
Standing, Lai tried showboating with windmill punches and a Nick Diaz-esque cockiness. Nothing from Lai landed but he did get the crowd worked up.
Round 1 ended with Pham finally working a takedown, but with no time to do anything with it.
Round 2 began with some strikes, including a kick to the groin on Pham that the referee failed to notice. More loose strikes were thrown before “Karnage” came alive, landing a takedown and advancing position quickly to half guard. Pham worked his way to the back of his opponent quickly, grabbing a rear naked choke and forcing the tap out from Lai.
Although cocky through the fight, Lai respectfully acknowledged the talent displayed by his opponent.
Fight 1 - 93kg
Rawdon Lee v Hohepa Ngarimu
The opening fight started off with some moderate striking from both fighters until Roots Jiu Jitsu-trained Rawdon Lee pushed for a clinch, dragging his opponent down a few moments later.
On the ground Lee worked hard with some solid ground and pound, opening his opponent Ngarimu up and moving to half guard as a result.
With Ngarimu flat on his back, Lee worked some more ground and pound until he found Ngarimu’s neck wide open and applied a forearm choke. Ngarimu tried to defend but the weight of Lee was too much, the choke sinking deep enough to force the submission.
Lee wins by forearm choke.
Written By: Clinton MacDonald and Stephen Goldsworthy
Be back at Luna Park May 22 2009 for CFC 8. For more go to www.cfcworld.com.au
84kg
Ron Verdadero v Hector “Shango” Lombard
Crowd favourite and CFC veteran Hector “Shango” Lombard returned to Sydney to defend his championship belt against the tough Hawaiian Ron Verdadero.
After a warm welcome, Shango wasted no time landing a big right hand that put Verdadero down. Lombard chased in, but Verdadero was already recovering from the hook. Lombard took the opportunity to get his stunned opponent’s back, standing up and delivering a huge suplex that almost put Verdadero out again. Quick to finish it off, Lombard delivered some vicious ground strikes, eventually forcing the TKO.
Hector left with another win and title defence, and dedicated his performance to the country he now calls home - Australia. His most devastating performance to date, it will be intriguing to see how he matches up to the stiffer competition in the US.
Lightweight Championship bout
70kg
Rob Hill v Bernardo Trekko
Controversy reigned in the final round of the Eliminator tournament from the CFC#6 card, as comeback kid Rob Hill took on undefeated Brazilian Bernardo Trekko.
Trekko opened his account with a stiff right that caught Hill by surprise but did not damage him. A clearly stunned Hill turned angry, starting to work his strikes and forcing Trekko to search for his ground skills. Trekko landed a takedown from the clinch but Hill was quick to get back to his feet. Trekko relentlessly worked Hill for another takedown from the clinch, succeeding again.
Trekko worked his way to half guard before Hill, trying to escape, gave up his back but the round ended before Trekko could use the advantage.
The opening of the second round saw a fierce exchange, with Trekko getting another takedown only for Hill to capitalise by reversing and landing a couple of monster punches that went undefended. Hill, utilising his tremendous ground striking through the Brazilian’s guard, earned his way to a TKO victory and a world championship.
There was some confusion in the stoppage as Trekko seemed unharmed when he rose. But senior referee Steve Perceval saw that Trekko had been “flash” KO’d and as he was showing no defense, intelligently called the stoppage. In true Brazilian style, drama erupted cageside with Trekko’s corner attempting to storm the cage, one succeeding, walking straight up to Perceval waving his finger directly in front of the referee’s face. It was neither calm, nor respectful.
A poor end to the night for a well-deserved champion. A little respect from both the crowd and opposition corner was poorly lacking.
Fight 7 - 70kg
Adrian “The Hunter” Pang v Denis Kelly
Irishman Kelly came out striking, but slipped a quick kick to the groin of Pang. The fight was stalled to allow Pang recovery. Kelly apologised and the fight resumed. Both exchange and briefly clinch.
Pang forced his way inside to clinch. Moving to the Thai clinch, he slipped a knee on Kelly that stunned him. Pang dragged his opponent to the ground but was unable to finish him off.
Pang methodically struck from the guard of Kelly, turning it up toward the end of the round where he landed some solid elbows. But, with the clock having run out, Pang could not take the victory at that point.
The start of the second round saw Pang come out kicking, but Kelly managed to counter with the right hand. Pang fought his way back, landing a combo that put Kelly down. This time, the Irishman did not have luck on his side and “The Hunter” went on to finish the fight by TKO.
Fight 6 - 65kg
Richie Vas v Ross Macleod
Sydney-based pro surfer Richie Vas made short work of his opponent Ross Macleod. Hitting a huge right overhand, Vas left MacLeod on the floor, much to the delight of the fans. There’s nothing like a 12 second stoppage to get a crowd on its feet, let alone a largely parochial one.
Fight 5 - 77kg
Jon Leven v Chris “The White Sniper” Johnson
Both fighters came out swinging. Leven showed no fear of his world-class kickboxing opponent, and with good reason as he quickly muscled his way inside Johnson and threw the New Zealander to the mat. From here Leven moved straight to the mount and took Johnson’s back soon after.
After a scramble, the fighters got back to their feet. Johnson was looking to use his striking pedigree to open up on Leven, but again Leven persevered and went to take Johnson down. There was a break called for a cage grab in this clinch.
Johnson landed a couple of hard shots on Leven before being taken down once again. Leven worked hard to secure position, taking mount and full back control quickly. He then worked for a choke that forced Johnson to tap out.
A side note to this fight is that Chris Johnson had only five weeks training in ground fighting before taking this fight.
Fight 4 - 70kg
Tony Ourico v Jason Harris
Harris went into this fight aggressively but was taken down by Brazilian fighter Ourico. Moving to half guard, Ourico threw an unnoticed knee to the head of Harris. Still in half guard working ground and pound, Ourico threw another knee to Harris’ head, stalling the fight while the referee tended to the matter. Harris took his time to recover, clearly shaken by the strikes. Ourico, seemingly confused by the ruling, received a warning and the fight resumed when Harris said he was able to continue.
Harris came back with some solid leg kicks and worked to clinch his opponent. Some loose knees were thrown from both fighters before Harris found himself hanging onto a guillotine choke. Harris pulled guard to try and secure the submission, but the experienced jiu-jitsu fighter in Ourico emerged and he passed to the mount.
Round 1 finished with Ourico on Harris’ back. Although Ourico fought off a choke, he seemed to be in more control of this round.
Harris again came out aggressively at the start of the second round, throwing a variety of strikes from leg kick to spinning back fist. Nothing significant landed and Ourico moved in to take the clinch and avoid more strikes. After an even wilder clinching episode, Harris wanted nothing to do with it, uppercutting his way from Ourico’s grasp and moving back to his favourite position of striking.
Harris found a good groove, landing leg kicks and really mixing his strikes, using superman punches and high kicks to set up his punches.
Harris slipped late in the round, giving Ourico another chance to clinch. Ourico took the back, though Harris was quick to get back into half guard. Harris pushed Ourico away and the round finished with Harris throwing up kicks at his opponent from his back.
A close round for both fighters. Harris coming out slightly more aggressive gave him this round.
The final round was uneventful and saw the two men spending most of their time clinching, with no significant strikes thrown. Ourico pushed for several takedowns without landing any. Harris tried body shots in the clinch but did not phase Ourico. Ourico did little while clinching, forcing a break. Neither threw any committing strikes.
As the round drew to a close, Ourico tried one more takedown but failed to get it in time.
The fight goes to deserved Jason Harris by judge’s decision.
Fight 3 - 105kg
Jeff King v Lucas Browne
Jeff King charged in to start the fight, ending up clinched and pressed against the cage by 117kg Kung Fu practitioner Lucas Browne. Browne was much stronger in the clinch, bullying his opponent to the mat where he worked efficient elbows and forearm strikes. Moving to side control, Browne continued his assault on the now bloody King. King worked his way back to guard but was met with a massive elbow strike from Browne.
After a scramble from the guard, King found fortune in his favour, as he ended up reversing position to side control on Browne. This did not last long as Browne created a scramble of his own and got back to the dominant position, though King worked his guard back.
King, going for an armbar late in the round, wound up slammed hard by the powerful Browne who dropped some huge fists on his stunned adversary. The fight was called soon after.
Lucas Browne wins by TKO.
Fight 2 - 62kg
Kian “Karnage” Pham v Phil Lai
Victorian Phil Lai started the fight well. With an air of confidence he looks to pick his shots, working a clinch and landing some solid knees to the midsection of Kian Pham. During the clinch game, Pham jumped to guard only to be put down hard on his back by Lai. On the ground, Lai continued to work and advance position on a relatively flat looking Pham. Lai attempted to take a knee, but aborted and went back into half guard where he worked in some more strikes.
The fight stagnated, forcing the referee to stand the pair up.
Standing, Lai tried showboating with windmill punches and a Nick Diaz-esque cockiness. Nothing from Lai landed but he did get the crowd worked up.
Round 1 ended with Pham finally working a takedown, but with no time to do anything with it.
Round 2 began with some strikes, including a kick to the groin on Pham that the referee failed to notice. More loose strikes were thrown before “Karnage” came alive, landing a takedown and advancing position quickly to half guard. Pham worked his way to the back of his opponent quickly, grabbing a rear naked choke and forcing the tap out from Lai.
Although cocky through the fight, Lai respectfully acknowledged the talent displayed by his opponent.
Fight 1 - 93kg
Rawdon Lee v Hohepa Ngarimu
The opening fight started off with some moderate striking from both fighters until Roots Jiu Jitsu-trained Rawdon Lee pushed for a clinch, dragging his opponent down a few moments later.
On the ground Lee worked hard with some solid ground and pound, opening his opponent Ngarimu up and moving to half guard as a result.
With Ngarimu flat on his back, Lee worked some more ground and pound until he found Ngarimu’s neck wide open and applied a forearm choke. Ngarimu tried to defend but the weight of Lee was too much, the choke sinking deep enough to force the submission.
Lee wins by forearm choke.
Written By: Clinton MacDonald and Stephen Goldsworthy
Be back at Luna Park May 22 2009 for CFC 8. For more go to www.cfcworld.com.au
