The AFO is very please to release it’s fight card to the upcoming “Last Man Standing” Event being held February 26, 2010 at Lombardo’s in Randolph Ma, just off exit 5A. Doors open for this great event at 6:30 with a meet and greet with our ring girls and sponsors. Be sure to check Painted Bird Tattoo, Warhawk Fight Gear, Metro PCS, The Narragansett Beer Company and Carried Out Fight Gear as they all will have booths set up with giveaways!! Tickets can still be bought online by visiting the new AFOMMA.COM and will also be available at the door the night of. Weigh Ins will be Thursday at 3pm at Piccadilly’s Pub in Randolph, just down from the venue and all are welcome to attend. The Weigh Ins will also be aired live on AFOMMA.COM for anyone that won’t be able to make it. Piccadilly’s will also be hosting the after party immediately following the event on Friday with free food and drink specials all night long for fighters and fans.
170 AFO Title
170 AFO Title -Paddy Thompson 9-2 SSSF vs Tim O’Connell 3-2 Whaling City
145 -Jeff Moore 2-2 SSSF vs Brian Marino 2-0 IC
135 -Kin Moy 2-0 RedLine vs Mike Campanella 2-1 Connor’s
HW- Paul Barry 2-0 SSSF vs Steve Skrzat 2-0
170- Leo Ikiki 1-1 RedLine vs Joe Powers Dexter MMA
185- Joe Lamoreaux 2-0 SSSF vs Sean Cody 2-0 Doomsday
170- Tony Davey vs Joey Clayton USA Karate
175-Tim Leary Red Line vs Mike Justice
155- John DeRusha 2-0 SSSF vs Lewis Corapi 2-0 Sity
155- Chris Monsini 2-0 vs Jeff Lynn 1-2 Dexter MMA
170- Dan Shields vs Ricardo Georges Team Praealserey
145 Females -Neree Harrington 0-0 IC vs Trea Zelee Doomsday 0-0
145- Dave LaChapelle 2-0 SSSF vs Erik Lee 1-1 NEMMA
170- Jeremiah Diruzzo 1-0 RedLine vs Boyce Kaman 1-0 NEMMA
165- Mike Filiponi AFAA 4-1 vs Tyson Chartier 4-0 Sity
135- John Campbell 1-0 SSSF vs Cido Hoff 0-0 usa karate
135- Fred Mandracchia 0-2 vs Michael Aponte 0-0 Bobby Goode
135- Devin Pilkington Smithfield MMA vs Theo Desjardin 2-2 IC
115 Female- Katie Merrill 0-1 Waikru vs Koreena Goslin 1-1
160- Bill Mahoney SSSF vs Pete Reveredo
155- Dillon Jennings 2-3 vs Jim Armato 1-1 Doomsday
175-Nathan Andrews, RockStar 0-1 vs Graham Butler 0-1
165- Ricardo Cruz 0-1 vs Nick Chum 0-0 Team Praealserey
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 20th, 2010
@ 6:50 PM:
We all know that we have two shows next Friday, AFO Last Man Standing and WCF 9. WCF has a good product, I can’t take that away from them. The AFO however, has risen to the challenge of running in direct competition between what I would consider to be the two best promotions in New England. Look at our card honestly, look at the TWENTY-THREE fights that are scheduled, look at the insane match up’s between the area’s top stars and the areas top schools, we pride ourselves on delivering the most action packed, hard hitting, well matched shows you will find and the proof is right in front of your eyes. There truly is one place to be next Friday night for MMA action in New England and that is Lombardo’s in Randolph supporting the American Fighting Organization, and there is nowhere else in the area where you can see quality mixed martial arts for as little as $1.52 per fight. Also, come out and meet all of us at the weigh-ins the day before and the afterparty the night of ,at Piccadilly Bar and Grille and find out exactly what we are all about!
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 20th, 2010
@ 7:35 PM:
Just to add clarification to my statement, I am a big fan of the WCF and I have attended 2 of their shows, If they were not running on the same night as the AFO I would absolutely have a ticket in hand for the show. I respect Rick and the guys over at the WCF and they are one of the few people who’s show I am willing to pay to see. With that said… go to http://www.afomma.com and buy your tickets for Last Man Standing
KinKong
on Feb 20th, 2010
@ 8:07 PM:
This looks like it’ll be sick! I’m almost as excited about watching as I am about fighting
jsmithmma
on Feb 20th, 2010
@ 10:51 PM:
Nice looking card. Should be a great show, good luck to all the fighters. There are about 15 fights here that I’m really interested in seeing
S.Almeida
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 3:21 AM:
WCF has more interesting and good fights. Fights with the real top level guys. AFO is a good show and they are doing many new things to make it an awesome show but are not putting on the “big” fights.
DiLorenzo
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 8:35 AM:
S.Almeida. The product of choice is the product of choice, but more interesting? Really, what makes that?? Go ask Mike Filiponi whos 4-1 about is upcoming fight against Tyson Chartier who’s 4-0 or John DeRusha who’s 2-0 from SSSF about his fight against Lewis Corapi who’s 2-0 from Sit, or Kin Moy who’s also 2-0 about his upcoming fight against Mike Campanella who is 2-1 and watching him fight it looks like he’s trying to rip someones head off. The quality of our fights that we put on is what has allowed us to build our fan base. You can say what ever you’d like, which is your right – this is just me replying back, which is my right, but I don’t remember ever seeing you at 1 of our 11 shows but I have seen many of the same fans at all of them and I think it’s because of the quality and not just because I’m such a nice guy. I don’t know if your fighting that night but if not come on by, I think you’ll like it a lot
om
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 10:03 AM:
dilorenzo when is jason mclean fighting to defend his tittle against a number one contender…i think that is the kind of fights.almeida is talking about…kid is number one in new england at 145…i like your shows dilorenzo …spend the money and get jason a fight
S.Almeida
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 10:26 AM:
Its def a great show with good talent and many undefeated guys, a while back i even asked to fight for you guys cause i heard it was an awesome show. Didnt mean to say it wasnt a nice promotion you know. And id def like to watch but my guy is fighting wcf and im cornering him. Hope you guys continue the success in 2010.
DiLorenzo
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 10:38 AM:
Actually as far as Jay to be really honest and in my own opinion, he’s one of the toughest guys out there!! And I really mean that! It has nothing at all to do with money. It’s truly getting him a quality guy that is willing to fight him. Our next show in April and Jay will be offered to come up because your 100% right, it’s been to long – 145 fighters please let me know if you want it…. Booking for Ken Stone was just as hard….. Fighters say yea I’m in then there out – all the time. But again your right! Jay will be offered For April and as always we’ll do our best to get him a legit quality guy like we did for Ken in bringing Jay. Saul thanks!! Hopefully soon we’ll get to work together and good luck next Friday
Niccolai
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 11:06 AM:
With the amount of quality fighters on this card, it’s going to solidify the AFO as one of the heavy hitters in local new england MMA.
and over the next year I wouldn’t be suprized to see a huge boost in the quality of fighters and fights on their cards.
Bill Mahoney is back to the cage after fighting Mike Brown, and the Thompson and Oconnell title fight is showcasing two hard working young guys that are going to have a good future in this sport.
and any time you have a Sit. fighter on a card you’re guaranteed some good action.
So if anyone thinks the AFO cards haven’t had very big fights thus far, this is a HUGE step in the right direction. It’s got all the things I look for in a rock solid local MMA promotion.
and to be honest, I’ve enjoyed watching the AFO grow from a smaller promotion with newer fighters into what it is now.
In fact, there’s only two things missing from this event; Me on the card, and Pete still doesn’t have a hot Asian ring girl.
Brawler2105
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 11:30 AM:
The AFO runs a great show and their fights are always exciting. I love their shows and it sucks that they decided to go head to head with WCF. I can’t see skipping WCF because their fights are much bigger. I agree with Almeida. There are a ton of fights on AFO but I just looked at WCF and found 7 fights I’m more excited to see than the best fight on this card.
BMUR
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 11:53 AM:
Hey Pete, How about Almeida vs. McLean?
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 12:44 PM:
@Brawler2105, we didn’t decide to go head to head, it was a scheduling/venue issue.. @Saul Almedia, as far as us not having the big fights, I guess that is a matter of opinion, the AFO prides ourself on giving young fighters a shot and watching them grow into complete, great fighters, Scott Nichols, who is a superstar with the GFL got his start in the AFO, Paddy Thompson, who in my opinion is the most underrated fighter in all of New England, and should always be talked about when discussing the 170 division is 7-0 in the AFO and he has fought very tough, very game opponents. Brian Marino and Kin Moy are both undefeated fighter, got watch them on youtube and you will know the talent level they possess. I don’t need to “sell” our fight cards, we have established many fighters and just take a look at our fight cards and see the remarkably high number of fighters who fight for the AFO and continue to fight for the AFO show after show, a good number of them you can only see on an AFO. Anyone who doesn’t think that undefeated fighters from Sityodong vs. undeafeated fighters from WaiKru and SSSF are huge fights then they just don’t pay close enough attention to New England MMA. Dany Lauzon comes to every AFO show, not as part of a cornermen team but as a fan of the show. Just take a look at the rankings on this very page. 145LBS. the division you are a part of and hold two titles in… Jay Mclean is number 1 on that list, he is our 145LB champion, number 2 on that list is Ken Stone, Nobody can come on here and say that Ken Stone is one of the most respected, feared and talented fighters at 145 in New England, Ken’s first and only professional title was the AFO Featherweight title which he lost to Mclean on our show. So the best two fighters in your division are AFO fighters and champions, but we pride ourselves on not just stopping with the champions, we build weight classes and talent so that down the road we don’t have to scramble and look for talent elsewhere to fight for championships. this is not a short process but its one that is neccessary to have a solid foundation at every weight class. But we have not been afraid to bring in the talent in the meantime, which is what we did with Stone vs. McLean… Paddy and Mcneil was a big fight, Sacuri and Griffin was a bog fight Paul Gorman vs. Jason Bennet was a huge fight. We cover both ends of the spectrum, its not only about the big fight, its about the future, we focus on both and we do it well. Thank you Almeida and good luck to your fight friday and good luck in your future title defenses, I was at the Chris Grandmaison fight and I though you did an excellent job and I look forward to seeing you fight in the future, whether its Tateki or Mclean or whomever.
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 12:47 PM:
***Edit*** it should say nobody can come on here and Say Ken Stone is NOT on the the most….
DiLorenzo
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 12:50 PM:
Almeida vs McLean is fine with me…. Feb 27th, the day after a great AFO show lets try to make that happen. A hot Asian Girl huh?? I’ll work on that too!! Anything for you man, lol… We didn’t intend to go head to head, we were 1st on Sat night in our normal Braintree location but the hotel sold and the ball room closed, so Lombardo’s was open on Fri and not sat and it was much bigger holding many more fans –
Listen as far as names go!! Everyone has a name and the AFO is happy to build names, it’s what we do…… BJ Marino when 5-0 in one year and now is 2-0 as a pro fighting real fights not fights that were just handed to him – Paddy I believe is 7-0 within the AFO and never turned a fight in a year and a half!! Gorman VS Bennett was a big fight, Stone winning his 1st title in NE was with us and Jay beating him was big too….I love the quality of matched we try to put on and feel it will never need to be defended, I don’t look at our card and see one side winning or losing – I see talk on here all the time about other shows and their fight cards not being matched to well -Our goal is to truly match good fight regardless what there name is!! Now that we have done so much with our media, our long term sponsors and more shows than any other we will continue to bring in new names as well as a proper mix of names everyone here likes to see too – But right now we have a super show for any mma fan next Friday night!! WCF is great for the sport of MMA with quality and the AFO has also proven I feel better than others we too are great for the sport of MMA – So just get out and see a show!!! if its ours u wanna see go get tickets on afomma.com and if you get them today under the special instruction box put in the phrase McLean in Apr and you’ll get your tickets 1/2 off!!!! Now tell me thats not marketing ,,,,,, lol – So hurry up and go them ‘em
Reep
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 12:59 PM:
where is Ken Stone, and when will he fight again?
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 1:04 PM:
Pete we must have have been typing at the same time… our responses are pretty similar, only difference is you discounting tickets, today for the readers of NewEnglandMMA.net….
greg
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 1:13 PM:
I’ve been to maybe 5 AFO shows and they do a great job. Their cards are well matched and you usually get to see good length fights with a lot of technique on display. Also they plan ahead, always know when their next event is, can string fights together and build their young guys, and in that sense it feels like a reliable, ongoing promotion. So yeah, I really like the AFO.
I think Pete and John are just doing their jobs and trying to promote their show. The AFO vs WCF debate is kind of pointless. Does WCF put on bigger fights? Well come on, it’s a bigger promotion, bigger budget, bigger names. Shit, Kimbo Slice was at the last one. But AFO has good fights, it’s a good product, and Pete/John are just sticking up for it.
BMUR
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 1:16 PM:
Hey Pete, what is the date of your April show? Mclean is fighting March 27th in Ohio for the UMMAXX featherweight title but if he comes out unscathed lets make something happen!
DiLorenzo
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 1:22 PM:
Thanks Greg!! I think u hit it on the head and yea John we must have been typing together – I need to find something else to do with my Sunday now…. As far as Ken, yes he will. Ken is one of the guys I enjoyed working with most, he actually had a hit list of guys he wants. I have this list and there are all top names. Again the problem is many say they want him but then when the time comes something changes. He will be fighting at 135 I know and him and Gorman is a fight we had set a few times but injuries and scheduling have gotten in the way a few times. Remember 1/2 off today with that phrase..
DiLorenzo
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 1:32 PM:
Apr 23rd is the next show. I’m on live chat right now on afomma.com if anyone wants to get on
cdunn_mma
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 1:56 PM:
This is going to be an amazing show!!!!!!!! Looks like the best local card I have seen put together. The only thing that would of made it better was having that kid Maurice Mcneil on it! I cant say anything about WCF because I have not been to one of there shows, however I have been to all of the AFO show’s except one and they never disappoint me. You have a chance to watch many new young fighters showcase there skills as well your favorite local veteran fighters. Cant’ wait for Friday night.
Theo
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 2:08 PM:
I’m with Kin, Cant wait to fight and see all the action! I mean what other fight card has 23 well matched bouts? Theres even gonna be some killer vendors there, Painted Bird Tattoo, Warhawk Fight Wear, Metro PCS, Carried Out Fight Gear, and lets not forget the kick ass venue, Lombardo’s, caint wait to there! Also the weigh-ins and afterparty are at Piccadilly Pub right near Lombardo’s! I’d say this is one of the sickest cards in Mass. Good luck to all the fighters, See everyone on the 26th!
S.Almeida
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 4:02 PM:
Too many posts lol. I am not fighting friday by the way, my friend and training partner Cesario de souza is. And as far as j.mclean goes, they should ask him if hes willing to fight me and not the other way around. In my opinion i am the best featherweight in n.e, and ill fight whoever to show ppl that. AFO is a great promotion by the way, some great fights and many fighters that are in the right direction to bigger things. ‘Spider’ .
ps…I could be wrong but i dont think mclean has won a fight since beating kenny a year ago. And to maintain a ranking position you have to stay active and winning. Very tough guy tho.
BMUR
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 4:46 PM:
Jay McLean beat Ohio’s #1 ranked featherweight Cody Stevens in November and prior to that he lost a BS decision to Binky Jones at Shogun Fights. Binky is one of two people to beat Calvin Katter and Jason got screwed in Binky’s backyard. So he has been active just not in New England, mainly because nobody wanted to fight him but if you want him Saul let’s make it happen. I think it would be a great fight!
Kenn_stryfe
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 5:07 PM:
Go Kin Moy and the whole REDLINE fight team!
AfoRingGirl
on Feb 21st, 2010
@ 7:46 PM:
I’ve been to many of the different promotions around and I have to say the AFO has always put on a fabulous show. Last man standing is making out to be the best one I have seen yet!
sssfRyan
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 2:38 AM:
Definately a well matched card and I’ve never been bored at an AFO event. This looks like a hell of a card.
Good luck SSSF!
fnhockey1
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 9:36 AM:
Is it Friday yet!? Can’t wait, many interesting fights as well as people that we have seen start and grow with the AFO which gives you a connection to them. Oh yeah, and a ton of SSSF guys are on the card with “Bad Ass” Bill Mahoney coming out of retirement to fight! Come on like you haven’t seen that pic? Plus the venue is great…Who doesn’t want to recreate their prom picture in front of the chandelier!
om
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:12 AM:
reep i heard stone retired…someone said he was selling cars in florida
Jason Dolloff
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 12:12 PM:
Good Luck Paul Barry Glad to see you at CFX event, its always a pleasure!!! Take it to him.
Jason Franklin
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 11:08 PM:
Keep your eye of Mike Filippone from American Fight Team. He is, currently, 4-1. Great wrestler with heavy hands. Slick BJJ. Him and Tyson is going to be a war. He has been begging to fight the best amateurs in New England so Tyson will be his next test. See everyone Friday.
American Fight Team
amek
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 2:59 AM:
exciting! Leo’s last name is spelled wrong – it’s Akiki
All these fighters on the same card…can’t wait!
DiLorenzo
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 9:48 AM:
We are announcing a new start time for our show – tickets say 7 45 and the new time will be a 7pm start for the 1st fight. Knowing the number of fights we have and as we spoke so highly of them we’re not expecting to many one rounders and want to the show to end before midnight.
A reminder the weigh ins will be aired live online through afomma.com for anyone that can’t make them and would like to see them.
More info on anything about the show can also be found on afomma.com
om
on Feb 24th, 2010
@ 10:48 AM:
dilorenzo who was the fighter paddy thompson fought at your show about 4 shows ago…now that was my pick of fight of the year…what happened to that fighter…does he still fight on your cards…rematch…dilorenzo nice card ..remember dont be cheap
DiLorenzo
on Feb 24th, 2010
@ 11:08 AM:
I think your thinking about Mike Shiender- Yea he still fights with us often…. That was a good fight – lot of fun!! He’ll be there but cornering a few of his team mates this show. He’ll be fighting in April along with Jay, lol!!
MikeBspikechi
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 1:05 AM:
Looks like a good line-up and a fine night for the Redline crew. Must be there!
cdunn_mma
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 2:42 AM:
om, the guy you talking about was he a white guy?
om
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 8:53 AM:
cdunnmma yes he was white ..he and paddy punched each other none stop for 3 rounds…the kid ground game was not strong but big heart…good hands and stood in front of paddy the whole time…one of the best fights ive seen locally…maybe not from a technical standpoint but braveheart he was…
DiLorenzo
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 9:54 AM:
Fun Starts Today – Log onto http://www.afomma.com at 3pm to watch the weigh ins live. This is not a big production with commentary and what not – but we’ll be streaming it for all the fans to see the fighters who can’t make today. Tomorrow at noon log back onto http://www.afomma.com to listen to AFO Radio and hear a complete preview of “Last Man Standing” . Tomorrow night doors open at 5 30 for a meet and greet with our sponsors and ring girls. We have 2 brand new Beautiful girls for ya, We have Metro PCS, Painted Bird Tattoo, Carried out, War Hawk, Need2Bleed and several others that will be on hand also. Tomorrow after the show Piccadilly’s Pub will be hosting an after party for all Fans and Fighters with food and drink specials all night long!! To sweeten the deal – If you haven’t bought your tickets yet!! Get ‘em today online and use the phrase “Hard Hitting MMA” in the special instruction box and your tickets will be reduced by 20%
DiLorenzo
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 9:58 AM:
Fun Starts Today – Log onto afomma.com at 3pm to watch the weigh ins live. This is not a big production with commentary and what not – but we’ll be streaming it for all the fans to see the fighters who can’t make today. Tomorrow at noon log back onto afomma.com to listen to AFO Radio and hear a complete preview of “Last Man Standing” . Tomorrow night doors open at 5 30 for a meet and greet with our sponsors and ring girls. We have 2 brand new Beautiful girls for ya, We have Metro PCS, Painted Bird Tattoo, Carried out, War Hawk, Need2Bleed and several others that will be on hand also. Tomorrow after the show Piccadilly’s Pub will be hosting an after party for all Fans and Fighters with food and drink specials all night long!! To sweeten the deal – If you haven’t bought your tickets yet!! Get ‘em today online and use the phrase “Hard Hitting MMA” in the special instruction box and your tickets will be reduced by 20%
cdunn_mma
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 12:59 PM:
Cant wait Pete!!! You have a great card put together…. Its gonna be fun to watch
catch.wrestler
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 4:01 PM:
When is Stone and Gorman fighting? I had heard a rumor that they were suppose to fight in Jan but Gorman said no?
dashmen
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 11:20 PM:
Just a heads up, you spelled Pradal Serey wrong…….good luck to Ricardo Georges and Nick Chum fighting for Team Pradal Serey in Revere, MA
DiLorenzo
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 9:02 AM:
Broken jaw, broken arm, broken noses, separated shoulders, stitches, head kick knock out, 3 round wars, title changes, a packed sold out room, upsets, major news outlets and full camera crew taping for television. These are just some of the things that took place last night. Every fighter last night gave everything they had. Every fighter left everything in the cage, As we challenged ourselves to raise our own level, the fighters rose with us and put on the best show I have EVER seen as a fan! I thank all of you for being completely professional and taking this as serious as we did to be the best out there.
Jason Franklin
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 10:54 AM:
Great show. Lots of energy.
Congrats to Tyson on a great fight. You and Filippone looked great in there. You are definitely the real deal. Class act too. Very nice guy. Best of luck in your future.
Bill Mahoney
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 4:06 PM:
Fun night, but some amazingly bad reffing and judging.It didn’t hurt my team, so it’s not sour grapes…but 1 judge had John Derucia losing 30-27, while the other two had it 30-27 for John(his opponent did fine, it was competitive but clear who won all rounds)…well that judge clearly either is biased or he knows nothing about MMA.
I had assumed they wrote the cards wrong, but heard later that no, in fact John was listed as losing all 3.
He also had Joe Lameroux losing all 3 rounds.I’m not complaining that Joe lost by split decision.It was a fair judgment.
But Joe clearly won the 1st round.
I’d love a chance to watch tapes of those fights with that judge and hear what he was thinking.Also the inconsistency in reffing was weird.One guy grabs a cage ref says “Do that again and u lose a point.” (which is fine) but in another fight with a different ref a guy does it over and over and I continuously have to point to the guys hand in the cage and scream for the judge to notice and he still just ignores it.
Same with back of the head, sometimes it was enfored other times I had to stand shaking the cage and screaming “that’s 30 in a row wake the F up!”
The ref see’s me and sez “no back of head”.
Basically the only things he called were things I had to point out were illegal over and over, I should have gotten a reffing fee.
Then we are screamed at that 1 of the 4 corners must leave and told our teammates can be nowhere near the cage, and yet when Moore is facing Marino, Marino’s team is surrounding the cage yelling instructions and the ref pretends not to notice.One of his friends or corners actually positions himself in our corner literally between Scott and I.So I spend most the fight trying to alert the ref to this travesty while I should be able to focus on the fight.
I know reffing and judging are ALOT tougher than they seem.But I have 9 year old students who could have done better than what I saw from the new judges and refs last night.
Thankfully no fights were decided by these blatant errors so It was still a great show, but had an error cost one of my guys the win and it not been changed to a NC then I wouldn’t have let my fighters going on after that get in the cage.We only take fair fights.
Theo
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 9:45 PM:
Couldnt agree more with Bill about the reffing, I took one acidental knee to the face that I thought I had been cut from so I put my hand up to check and it was all good , we touched gloves and went back at it. But then I took a few more knees after that and they werent even noticed and in a fight like that 1 point couldve made a difference not that Im disputing the loss or really pissed about my performance cuz it was an awesome war and Devin’s a hell of competitor and deserved that win, Im just sayin that had Kevin been there things might have been different in alot of fights, that guy is hands down the best ref in new england! Great show regardless tho some sick,sick stuff last night! Campbell youre a beast ! Freddy congrats on your win man! Koreena hang in there hun, keep ya head up everyone knows you’re a beast. you’ll get the next one. Devin great job man we promised a battle and gave em a war, those knees to the body right off the bat we’re brutal I think I tasted some of my lung, look forward to seeing more of you in the AFO , maybe even fighting you again for a Bantamweight AFO title in the future….But I think we’ll be tryin to take that from Kin and after that KO of Campanella (who’s no slouch to the least), lets just that no easy task. Kin that was awesome dude hands down KO of the night not to take credit from who did win it but damn I cant wait to get the dvd just for that!!! Great Job to all the fighters it was an awesome show, oh and all I gotta say, new ring girl with the glasses!!!
Brawler2105
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 11:37 PM:
dilorenzo it sounds like you’re excited about your fighters getting seriously fucked up at your event. You may want to be a little more clear about what you’re trying to say before everyone thinks your a dick. I’ve heard your pretty cool but what you said came across douchy.
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 1:01 AM:
@Brawler, I am not going to speak for Pete DiLorenzo, as I am sure he will be on here to post at some point… I will however give you my thoughts as a representative of the AFO.. Myself and Pete have no interest in seeing fighters get seriously hurt or injured and in reading Pete’s post I think what he is refering to is the fact that all of the competitors on our show left it all in the cage and every fighter giving all that they had, and yes some injuries occured, which is an unfortunate bi-product of every fighter fighting their hearts out. I know that both me and Pete were in constant contact with some of the injured fighters late into the night and early this morning. We also spoke to a good deal of the fighters on the show just to make sure they are okay and feeling good, regardless of if they were hurt or not. I am working on the recap of the show now but I would just like to say, to the 44 fighters on the show last night… Thank you, it was a truly amazing event and we saw some of the greatest fights I have ever witnessed and yes we had tons of high drama moments and epic KO’s and it was all so amazing to witness. Thank you guys so much!!!!
DiLorenzo
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 10:32 AM:
Brawler – I might not have been around the local seen for the last nine years like some have, but I have been around it for the last 2. I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say most the people I have worked with from fighters, fans, teams, judges, refs, etc…. will say that I’m a pretty decent guy that does my best to do right by everyone. I’m a fan 1st!! and I really mean that, I get so excited for every show and I spend most the night after a show talking to fighters thanking them for the show they put on. My above post was about hard hard these guys fought and admiration I have for them for what they are willing to sacrifice in that cage under our banner, thats why I love this sport so much and also why I can sometimes get upset when I hear this show has names on it I don’t know so it must not be good. So if you read it a different way then it clearly was my fault and thank you for pointing it out for me to make it clearer…
Friday night in Randolph Mass might have been the one of the best shows ever in New England
Kevin the Ref
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 2:33 PM:
Hey Theo, thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the show. Everyone told me, as I have come to expect from the AFO, that the show was fantastic. I would like to comment on some of Bills concerns. Again, I was not at, nor did I see, any of the fights in question, but there are a few issues that I would like to speak to.
In regards to coreners coaching from all around the cage. That is NOT an issue for the referee to address. The referee may speak to it during a rules meeting because everyone is there and listening. The referee’s job is solely that of officiating inside the cage. To look away from the action, even for a moment, would be a disservice to the fighters. This should be a nonissue as of tomorrow since now, with sanctioning, there will be guys with badges and real authority, whose sole job is to keep things in line outside the cage.
As far as fence grabs, this is another area where santioning will bring an official standard. I believe that, going forward, you will see many more points deducted and disqualifications for fence grabs. I understand that it happens sometimes, but part of being a professional fighter is remaining composed and knowing your surroundings, i.e.”ring saavy.” It is a very tough situation sometimes as a referee because you want to be strict, but you also don’t want to “ruin” a fight just because a guy was sloppy. For example, if a fighter has been warned, and had a point taken away for fence grabbing, then, when there is less than 10 seconds left in the fight, his hands go through the fence but fingers have not fully grabbed, what should the referee do? One thought is to slap them away and thus keep an exciting fight going. The other is to do nothing and let him grab it, DQ him, and then leave what could have been a great match with an asterisk next to it. Now don’t get me wrong, some things are clear and easy to call, others are not so.
When it comes to the back of the head stuff, it’s even more tricky. The reason for the rule is to prevent damaging, targeted blows, to an unprotected back of the head. Now, if strikes are thrown which land in the center of the back of the head, but the other fighters hands are covering so the strike never hits the head, just the defenders gloves, is that a foul? Or if a guy has back mount and is just throwing distracting rounded shots with no real power and the bottom man turns away at the last minute so the strike hits the back of his head, is that a foul? What about when two guys are trading on the feet and, as the punch is coming toward the face, one fighter turns away and it hits the back of his head and he gets KO’d. Should that be a NC or a DQ? In all three cases the norm would be that no, these are not fouls that would usually be called. But change just one slight factor and it’s a whole different situation.
As far as judging issues, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One is that a judge sits in one location with one perspective for the entire fight. Often times one judge may not see what two other judges, and most of the audience sees. This can be due to location and other factors such as a referee in the way or out of control corner people causing distraction. This is why there are 3 judges positoned evenly around the cage. I have watched video of fights where people questioned the stoppage and, from where the camera was, you had no idea if shots were landing or if the fighter was defending. Even if there was disagreement with the decisions of one judge, it seems as if the system worked and the right guy won.
All in all, this is a sport involving humans. That means, that there will always be flaws. There will always be hitting to the back of the head, cage grabbing, dirty fighting, referee issues, judging issues, and of course MMA lawyers looking to exploit any one of these issues to get their guy a win.
Hopefully, many of the issues of concern will work themselves out as MMA becomes sanctioned tomorrow. As official policies are drafted, I will do my best to make sure everyone is aware and that standards are met. I know that there have always been and will always be issues, but at the end of the day, I am very proud of all the fighters, coaches, promoters, and officials for the last 6 years. See you all on the other side!!!
Kevin the ref
Kevin the Ref
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 2:41 PM:
*****In regards to the first situation with the back of the head shots, I was referring to when a top man throws a flurry of punches looking to finish the fight and the bottom man covers up to weather the storm, realizing that the strikes are not landing or penetrating his defense. From the wording it looks like I was referring to targeting the ceter of the back of the head which is, of course illegal and should be called.
Niccolai
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 5:21 PM:
Who photograped this event?
Nick Newell
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 9:21 PM:
Results?
DiLorenzo
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 9:33 PM:
We sent them to Rick to post but their not up yet – Later tonight they will be up on our site, afomma.com and I also know they will be posted on mmamonthly.org as well I think tomorrow but they should be up here too soon.
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 10:16 PM:
Results are posted at http://www.afomma.com , click the event poster or the results tab.
Bill Mahoney
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 12:03 AM:
Understood Kevin.But if the ref isn’t to be concerned with corners I;d love it explained to me why we were repeatedly yelled at by refs for having 1 too many while other teams with many more were allowed to keep them.
As 4 fence grabbing, I’m fine with it being legal, or grounds for losing a point after 1 grab.What I’m not cool with is when it’s both on the same card.
Finally with the judging …some judges put more weight in standup, some in takedowns, whatever.But when a fighter wins all aspects of the fight…standing, takedowns, groundfighting…and 2 judges see him doing that, and one has the other fighter winning all three rounds.
Lets just say I hope the judge was incompetent.Cause I suspect something else.
And yeah, okay you make a valid point about perspective affecting what one sees in the fight.But some fights could be watched from the moon and we’d all know who won.
Again though, it didn’t wind up affecting anything.And it was definately a great show full of energy from the crowd and action in the cage.And the fights seemed especially well matched , most were very competitive.
I just like to state my piece cause there’s always room for improvement.
I didn’t even get into the worst part…the fact that I had to go thru the crowd to find one of my students who spent 45 bucks and wound up the EMT for multiple fighters(and seeing maybe 5 fights) cause the EMT at the show was nowhere to be found and the ringside doctor asked me to stop bothering him when I told him a fighter in the locker room was showing signs of a massive concussion
.It turned out ok tho, my student EMT diagnosed the problems made a sling, decided whether the ER was needed, suggested medication etc etc etc.But it all worked out cause no one died.
tycharts
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 2:10 AM:
Thanks for the shout out and kind words Jason Franklin.. It was def an honor to go head to head with your guy Filippone.. He’s def a tough kid and hits like a truck!. Someone has to remind him that wrestlers are not supposed to be able to throw high kicks lol.. Glad that ones behind me hhaa…. You and everyone else at American Fight Team are top notch people and I look forward to seeing you guys at more shows in the future!
Dysqo Dave
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 8:48 AM:
The situation with the corners should be handled by a Security Team. Having too many people in the corners can also mess it up for the rest of the people in attendance.
Having someone from the other team in your corner is shady, first instance that TEAM gets a warning, next instance, BAM! You can have your normal 4 corners and that’s it.
Kevin the Ref
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 10:46 AM:
I hear you Bill and, like I said I was not there to see it. As the state gets on board, we’ll be having a meeting/certification for the state referees and judges to iron out all the little things since there has not yet been a standard. This will also help with your EMT problem because the stae has protocols for where and how far away that they could be. In regards to the “I suspect something else” that is 100 percent not the case. Pete asked me to hire the officials and every one that I did has the highest integrity and takes their job very seriously. If there ever is the potential for any sort of “conflict of interest” the judge in question switches with the scorekeeper for the bout in question. I apologize that there was any controversy because it can take away from a fighters hard work. Moving forward, this will all be stuff you will have to bring up with the state (thank the Lord!!!). It’s been a loooooonnnng 6-7 years of trying to stay on top of this. Even though I’ve enjoyed it, I’m glad to finally have someone that I can throw under the bus whit things get crazy!!!!!!!
Kevin the Ref
Bill Mahoney
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 8:09 PM:
Ok I’ll take you’re word for his integrity and just assume he’s merely clueless.But do me a favor and watch the Derucia fight with him and asking him how a guy who’s losing the stand-up,getting slammed down and GNP’d while getting nowhere with any subs wins all 3 rounds.It was a worse call that Bisping-Hammil, Henderson- Mino 1, and Gholar-Johil.
In wrestling he wins with takedowns, in boxing he lands with far more strikes landing and more damaging ones, in BJJ he gest 2 for takedowns and 3 for a few guard passes.But he loses in MMA? Madness.
greg saks
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 10:24 PM:
gholar-johil? haha that is hardcore. i had to look that one up.
Bill Mahoney
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 2:23 PM:
Yeah I’m old school.Would rather see Taktarov-Frye than GSP-Anderson.Cause back in the day men were men, fighters were one dimensional and proud of it dammit! Bring back Jim Brown!!!