CFX 5 review by Greg Saks.

CFX returned on Saturday night with their 5^th show: Mayhem in Mansfield.  Their last card was an ambitious outdoor event that ended prematurely due to bad weather, but CFX 5 showed why the promotion has emerged as a big local player.  The event went off without a hitch, giving the large crowd 17 entertaining fights from bantamweight to super heavy.

Brockton products Steve Dunn and Shawn Baker, who fired up the fans with victories at CFX 4, were back with tough challenges.  Olympian Rick Hawn, undefeated in MMA, was scheduled for his stiffest test yet, and Lee Beane and Jason Dolloff were scheduled to fight for the brand new CFX heavyweight belt in the main event.    A solid card.

Many local MMA celebrities were in the building, but the biggest guest appearance (literally) was Celtics player Glen “Big Baby” Davis.   He was there along with the guys from Wai Kru, and at 6’9” dwarfed pretty much everyone else in the room.  While he was happy to pose for photos and shake hands all night, he was into the fights and excited as any of the other Wai Kru team when one of their athletes scored a win.

On to the fights…

DAVE QUACH vs ANGEL GONZALEZ (Amateur 3×3 Bantamweight 135)

Blue: Quach – Don Grady Academy

Red: Gonzalez – American Karate

Ref: Gary

Round 1:  Quach darts around behind Gonzalez and pulls him down to the mat.  He’s reversed by Gonzalez and they’re scrambling with Gonzalez now in Quach’s guard.  Quach moves quickly to secure a kimura, uses it to sweep, and ends up in side mount.  Reversed again and now Gonzalez is on top in half guard.  Quach looks for another submission but ends up eating 3 big punches right to the head.  My score:  10-9 Quach for the sub attempts, but it was close.

Round 2:  They exchange low kicks.  Gonzalez wings a high kick that partially catches Quatch.  Up against the cage and Gonzalez with some nice punches in close.  High kick to a right straight combo for Gonzalez who is taking control of the standup.  Just like that, Quach throws a nice punch and then executes an awesome hip throw takedown.  They crash to the mat but Gonzalez is able to keep rolling and is on top in Quatch’s guard.  Big ground and pound strikes from Gonzalez now connecting.   My score:  10-9 Gonzalez.

Round 3:  Wild, exciting brawling to start the third.  Both guys landing good shots.  They separate and Gonzalez lands several good low kicks.  Quatch gets a takedown and is trying to slip around to take the back, but no luck.  Gonzalez ends up in half guard in a scramble.  Quatch looking for a leg lock from underneath, but he’s in bad position and exposed to repeated blows to the face from Gonzalez.  Ref jumps in to save Quatch from taking any more.

Official result was Angel Gonzalez wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 2:41 of Round 3.

ADAM GAUDREAULT vs JEFF LYON (Amateur 3×3 Lightweight 155)

Blue: Gaudreault – Team Valor

Red: Lyon – Dexter

Ref: Dan

Round 1:  Lyon throws a right hook and lands as he moves forward to clinch up and get a takedown.  Very nice.   In Gaudreault’s half guard, Lyon throwing some strikes.   Gaudreault able to rise up to his feet and Lyon immediately looks to wrap an arm around his head.  Down to the mat Lyon working to secure the guillotine.  Nothing there with the sub but he ends up on top.   Lyon starts unloading and while nothing is landing with KO power, he’s got Gaudreault stuck and in a tough spot.  About 40 seconds of strikes mixed in with maintaining his positioning, and the ref has finally seen enough and steps in.

Official result was Jeff Lyon wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 1:40 of Round 1.   Great showing for Jeff.

BRAD CONLEY vs SHAWN BAKER (Amateur 3×3 Middleweight 185)

Blue: Conley – Bishops

Red: Baker – Wai Kru

Ref: Kevin

Baker got a huge crowd reaction at his last fight at CFX4, and similarly a lot of support here in Mansfield.   Shawn is pumped up, stomping around the cage and the crowd loves it.

Round 1:  Conley grabs a single leg and then lifts up for a nice slam takedown.  Baker goes for a guillotine, and ends up pushing Conley up against the cage, trying to finish with a front choke.  Conley able to rise to his feet, and gets a nice trip takedown into Baker’s guard and out of the chokehold.  Conley lands a few nice strikes to Baker’s head.  Then a BIG punch and two more booming shots to the chin and Shawn Baker is OUT!  Totally KO’d.  In a good display of sportsmanship, Conley quickly realizes in mid-punch and pulls back from landing another one.

Official result was Brad Conley wins by KO due to strikes from the guard, at 1:39 of Round 1.    It was an awesome knockout but it’s good to see Shawn Baker get back to his feet and congratulate Brad after 30 seconds of being tended to on the mat.

SEAN LYFORD vs ERIC JACOBSEN (Amateur 3×3 Light Heavyweight 205)

Blue: Lyford – Don Grady Academy

Red: Jacobsen – Bishops

Ref: Gary

Round 1:  Jacobsen landing some nice strikes standing, and then a takedown and he ends up in Lyford’s guard.  Quickly passes to full mount.   Lyford flips him over and is now on top in Jacobsen’s half guard.   Full mount for Lyford.  Big ground and pound.  Nothing devastating landing but Jacobsen is getting beat up and is stuck.   Ref jumps in.

Official result was Sean Lyford wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 2:38 of Round 1.

ANTHONY CAPONE vs STEVE DUNN (Amateur 3×3 Middleweight 185)

Blue: Capone – Dog Pound

Red: Dunn – Wai Kru

Ref:  Forgot to note it down.

Steve Dunn was by far the biggest star of the last CFX show in Brockton, with the whole audience going nuts for him.  It looks like CFX wants to see if they can build Dunn even more, but this is a definite step up in competition with a game Anthony Capone.

Round 1:  Capone shoots and gets a takedown, but Dunn is able to power back to his feet.  Dunn throws a jab, and Capone counters with a crushing punch that lands directly on the chin.  Dunn is out before he hits the ground.  Wow.

Official result was Anthony Capone wins by KO from a punch, at 0:42 of Round 1.   Congratulations Anthony Capone on the huge win.

MANNY NEVES vs ANTHONY DICK

Manny Neves had been scheduled to make his retirement fight against Anthony Dick, but unfortunately Anthony sustained an injury prior to the fight and the bout has been cancelled.  In a great move, CFX invites Manny into the cage to say some words to the crowd.    Manny thanks everyone for their support, his family comes in for some photos, and it turns out being a cool way to wrap up his fighting career.

JOHN DANIELS vs SCOTT HURD (Pro 3×5 Middleweight 185)

Blue: Daniels – Don Grady Academy

Red: Hurd – CCFA

Ref: Dan

Round 1:  They clinch up with Hurd looking for a takedown.  Hurd throws a nice knee to the head, and then gets the takedown.  He moves to side control but is flipped over with Daniels now on top in side control.  Hurd reverses him and into half guard.  Daniels gets full guard.   Some nice strikes from Hurd.   Scramble and Hurd ends up in full mount and then takes Daniels’ back.   Daniels spins out and is now in half guard, throwing a few nice punches to the head.   Hurd slips out and is now on top… this might set a record for transitions in a single round.  Daniels looks for a shoulder lock and uses it to sweep and end up on top.  My score:  10-9 Daniels, though it’s pretty hard to score.

Round 2:  Hurd lands a fast spinning back fist.  The pace is slowed considerably and Hurd’s right eye is swelling and closing up.   Daniels pulls him down and quickly passes to full mount.  Hurd sweeps him and then pulls off his own pass to mount.    Hurd almost pulls off a sweet armbar but Daniels escapes and ends up in side control.  Some hammer-fists and knees to the side, but both guys look almost gassed.  Hurd ends the round on top, his face is pretty roughed up.   My score:  10-9 Hurd.

Round 3:  Hurd misses a high kick, shrugs off Daniels who tries to clinch up.   Hurd lands a good jab, but Daniels is able to get in close and pull guard.   Hurd to side control, Daniels sweeps him and gets himself on top in side control.   Daniels controls the round for the next 3 or so minutes.  Relatively uneventful, but Daniels peppers him with strikes when he can and definitely takes the round.  My score:  10-9 Daniels.

Official result was John Daniels wins by unanimous decision, 30-27 on all cards.

ROGER BRACKETT vs KENNY HAZZARD (Pro 3×5 Light Heavyweight 205)

Blue: Brackett – Lakeville MMA

Red: Hazzard – Elite Fitness

Ref: Gary

Round 1:  Hazzard starts off with a jab and transition into a takedown, landing in Brackett’s guard.  Brackett threatens with a triangle but Hazzard shrugs it off and lands a few good punches.  Back standing, Hazzard sneaks around and takes Brackett’s back and pulls him down with a slam onto the mat.   Hazzard has either had the wind knocked out of him or hurt his leg and verbally submits.   He’s got a limp when he stands so I’m guessing the takedown sprained his knee.

Official result was Roger Brackett wins by submission due to injury, at 1:33 of Round 1.

REZIMY MOM vs ROBBIE LEROUX (Pro 3×5 Featherweight 145)

Blue: Mom – BKJA

Red: Leroux – Wai Kru

Ref: Dan

Round 1:  Leroux wants a takedown but eats some big punches and then a knee before he’s able to wrestle it down.  Into half guard and then back to full guard.  Up to standing and Mom lands a low kick.  Mom jab, and then another low kick.   Leroux responds with a kick of his own and another takedown.  Nice pass to side mount and then full mount for Leroux, with some good strikes.  He’s in mount for a while but can’t get anything game-changing going.  Back to the feet and Mom returns to the low kicks.  Now the action is turning up and they are both going at it.   Leroux trip takedown.  Great round.  My score:  10-9 Leroux.

Round 2:  Low kick for Mom but he can’t stop the takedowns and Leroux gets to side control.  Full mount again and this time Mom is stuck. They’re here for a while as Leroux controls the action.  The pounding gets increasingly powerful until the ref has seen enough.

Official result was Robbie Leroux wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 2:32 of Round 2.

GIOVANNI PAGON vs JOHN REVERDES (Pro 3×5 Welterweight 170)

Blue: Pagon – Dog Pound

Red: Reverdes – Tri-Force/Elite Fitness

Ref: Kevin

Round 1:  Reverdes stalking for the first minute, looking intensely at Pagon.  He throws and connects, then sprawls out of a takedown attempt from Pagon.  They separate but Pagon closes the distance and pulls guard.   Reverdes powers out of the guard and cracks some kicks into Pagon’s legs as he’s in butt scoot.  Too aggressive with the kicks and Pagon tangles him up and plants him onto his back.  Pagon has back mount up against the fence.   Reverdes avoids an armbar attempt and spins out and back to his feet.  Pagon unrelenting, has him against the cage looking for another takedown.  Reverdes defends to close the round.  My score:  10-9 Reverdes.

Round 2:  Pagon nice right hand, but mostly just trying to use strikes to set up the takedown.  Reverdes is swinging for the fences and gets taken down.  Full mount for Pagon.  A few glancing strikes land but nothing huge from Pagon above.   Reverdes can’t escape as Pagon keeps throwing.  Smooth like butter, Pagon ties up an armlock for the submission victory.

Official result was Giovanni Pagon wins by keylock submission, at 2:28 of Round 2.

GEORGE PAPOUTSIDIS vs CHRIS BAGGE (Pro 3×5 Super Heavyweight)

Blue: Papoutsidis – Independent – 267 lbs

Red: Bagge – Bishops – 283 lbs

Ref: Gary

The big boys rarely fail to deliver fast and intense action, and this one looks like it will be pretty cool.   Both guys look ready to go.

Round 1:  George nice punch, they clinch, and sure enough the brawl starts going wild, both guys swinging with bad intentions.   Clinched up and Bagge might be looking for a takedown as they struggle against the fence.  All of a sudden they separate and the ref jumps in.   George’s elbow is badly dislocated… dammmnnnnn that looks painful.  His forearm is pointed in a crazy direction and there’s probably some ligament damage in there.   George takes it like a champ and is totally composed as the doctor helps him out, but unfortunately the fight is over.

Official result was Chris Bagge wins by TKO due to injury, at 0:44 of Round 1.

ARTIE MULLEN vs SHAWN GALANO (Pro 3×5 Super Heavyweight)

Blue: Mullen – MMA of Southern Maine – 285 lbs

Red: Galano – Eclectic Karate – 228 lbs

Ref: Kevin

Another big one.  Galano is shredded and huge, but Mullen has about 60 pounds on him.

Round 1:  Both guys waste NO time going right at it.  Winging punches at each other and both guys land some nice ones.  Crazy pace.  Galano connects with the biggest shot so far and Mullen drops to the mat.  Galano follows him down and gives him 2 or 3 more strikes for good measure until the ref calls it.  Once again, the heavies don’t fail to deliver the action.

Official result was Shawn Galano wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 0:23 of Round 1.

LIONEL YOUNG vs BRETT O’TEIRI (Pro 3×5 Middleweight 185)

Blue: Young – BKJA

Red: O’Teiri – Bishops

Ref: Gary

Round 1:  O’Teiri low kick and pulls guard.  High guard and looks momentarily for rubber, and then a triangle.  Young slips out of danger.   O’Teiri not stopping and looks for an armbar from the bottom.  Young stands up and out, O’Teiri tries to pull him back down.  Against the cage, O’Teiri some nice strikes to the midsection and then he finally gets top position into Young’s guard.   Good fast pace.   He passes to side mount.   O’Teiri smothering Young and landing some strikes, but the pace slows down.  My score:  10-9 O’Teiri.

Round 2:  O’Teiri low kick, Young shoots for a takedown but O’Teiri sprawls out and snaps on a guillotine.  The choke looks tight and there’s a quick moment of confusion between the fighters and the ref.  But Young was caught and submitting and O’Teiri picks up the great win.

Official result was Brett O’Teiri wins by guillotine choke submission, at 0:27 of Round 2.

HARLEY BEEKMAN vs EVERILTON SILVA (Pro 3×5 Middleweight 188)

Blue: Beekman – Extreme MMA

Red: Silva – Fenix Fight Team

Ref: Kevin

This is an interesting looking fight between two guys who have different skill-sets and look prepared.

Round 1:  Silva low kick.  Beekman low kick.  Slow start, both guys are cautious and unwilling to commit.  Beekman throws a left high kick that is mostly blocked.  Silva inside low kick.  Crowd starts to get impatient and boos.  Small exchanges and finally Beekman steps in with a big right kick to the midsection that makes a loud snap.  Silva holds onto the leg and gets the takedown.  Silva works to pass guard but Beekman gets his chance to jump to his feet.  Beekman unloads a big flurry as the timekeeper signals 10 seconds left.  Beekman a barrage of uppercuts and hooks as Silva backs up against the fence and is able to block a lot of it.   Slow round until the end, but for a hardcore fan this is a really compelling fight.  My score:  10-9 Beekman.

Round 2:  Beekman  left high kick again to start, blocked by Silva.  They box tentatively.  Silva looks for the takedown but Beekman defends and a scramble ensues.  Beekman unloads a flurry of punches and sprawls out of another takedown attempt.  Now throwing some GnP in Silva’s open guard.  Silva is getting blasted up against the cage.  Like some of the other fights tonight, Beekman’s strikes aren’t devastating, but the stoppage is fair when the ref jumps in to protect the guy on the bottom.

Official result was Harley Beekman wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 2:42 of Round 2.

PETER REVEREDO vs MIKE GRESH (Pro 3×5 Catchweight 160)

Blue: Reveredo – Independent – 160 lbs

Red: Gresh – CCFA – 146 lbs

Ref: Gary

Reveredo is a last minute replacement against Gresh, and both fighters have agreed to the bout despite the significant size difference.

Round 1:  Reveredo low kick.  Gresh returns with one of his own.  Reveredo throws a low kick and then one to the midsection.  They circle, Gresh sticks with the kicks and throws a couple more.  Now these kicks are starting to really crack into Reveredo’s leg.  Gresh several more kicks… he’s landed almost 10 of them now.  Gresh keeps the distance well, and his striking is crisp.   Reveredo is hurting from these kicks and falls to the mat when he eats another one.  Gresh wastes no time getting on top of his back and throws a couple quick punches until the ref stops it.

Official result was Mike Gresh wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 2:07 of Round 1.

BRANDON WEAFER vs RICK HAWN (Pro 3×5 Welterweight 170)

Blue: Weafer – Fighting Arts Academy

Red: Hawn – Sityodtong

Ref: Kevin

Anyone who has seen Rick Hawn fight knows that Weafer has a tall task ahead of him, but when he steps into the cage he looks to be in excellent condition and a large welterweight.

Round 1:  Hawn clinches up immediately and puts Weafer against the fence.  Weafer circles out and has Hawn pinned up.   Hawn pushes off and executes a trademark hip throw and Weafer crashes to the mat with Rick on top of him.  Weafer is able to quickly get up and out.  Hawn closes the distance again and brings it back down with a violent trip takedown.  His Judo is as nasty as you would expect.   Hawn lands in side mount.  Weafer working to regain guard but Hawn has a solid base and has him clamped down.  Finally Weafer regains guard and is active on the bottom and looks for a triangle.    Hawn postures up and comes down with a solid punch.  Then another.  A few more smaller strikes get through to end a great round.  My score:  10-9 Hawn.

Round 2:  Hawn throws and connects with a solid right hand and follows through with a clinch up against the fence.  Weafer lifts a knee and catches Hawn in the head.  Hawn another big throw puts Weafer down.  Weafer again looks for a triangle and looks like he could possible tie his legs around, but Hawn lifts him up a couple feet and slams down to shake him off.  Hawn in Weafer’s guard.  The action slows and the ref brings them to the feet.  Hawn closes the round with a flurry that lands nicely.   My score:  10-9 Hawn.

Round 3:  Hawn again throws a big bomb as a way to clinch up.  These strikes are so solid that it makes me wonder what Hawn’s game would look like if he simply decided to keep it on the feet.  Slam takedown for Hawn.  Side control and some good elbows thrown to the face of Weafer.  Hawn transitions to full mount.  A few strikes get through but Weafer is no slouch and is constantly moving on the bottom, avoiding big damage.  Weafer raises his hips and legs up to try and pry Hawn out of mount.  No luck, but Weafer shows incredible dexterity in getting one leg around and under Hawn’s stomach even though he’s in mount.  I don’t know what you call this position.   Good defense from Weafer.  Ref stands them up.  Hawn immediately shoots for a single leg and misses.  Weafer swings with a high kick as Hawn stands back up and it just barely misses.  Weafer unloads and Hawn stumbles and falls onto his back.  Weafer follows him and unloads everything he has as the round comes to an end.  Hawn avoided the big blows, but it definitely showed how much heart Weafer had right up until the final bell.  My score:  10-9 Hawn.

Official result was Rick Hawn wins by unanimous 30-27 decision.   Having a world-class Judo base was too much for Weafer, as Rick was basically able to dictate where and how the fight unfolded.

JASON DOLLOFF vs LEE BEANE (Pro 5×5 Heavyweight Title)

Blue: Dolloff – Independent – 292

Red: Beane – Wai Kru – couldn’t hear the weight, but I am guessing 275

Ref: Kevin

We know that Dolloff is a big underdog against the overpowering Beane, but Jason always comes with heart and ready to fight.  Anything can happen.

Round 1:  Dolloff throws aggressively and lands, but Beane is fast… he clinches up and throws some big knees inside.  Beane pulls him down and shows some of the power in his ground and pound that makes him so dangerous.  Dolloff is initially fighting to scramble out, but in every fight I’ve seen Lee in, it looks like a nightmare to be stuck underneath him.  He throws 3-4 power punches and the ref steps in at the right time.

Official result was Lee Beane wins by TKO due to strikes on the ground, at 0:29 of Round 1.  Congratulations to Lee Beane, who wins the first CFX heavyweight belt.  This takes nothing away from Dolloff who is a warrior, but Beane has obviously been on a different level from all of his opponents to date.

NEXT SHOW:

They announced that CFX would be back on November 14^th for Rumble in the Jungle 2, back at the Jungleplex in Plymouth MA.     I was at Rumble in the Jungle 1, and it’s an awesome venue for MMA.  There’s enough room inside the building that you can get really creative in how you set up the floorplan, and CFX did a great job last time.  Go check it out.