AFO – LAST MAN STANDING REVIEW
The atmosphere at Lombardo’s in Randolph, Massachusetts can only be described as electrifying. The American Fighting Organization was on hand to deliver one of the best cards in New England’s history. The Ballroom was jam packed and the sell-out crowd was full of energy that lasted through all 22 fights. The evening had everything you could hope for in a mixed martial arts spectacular. A new AFO Champion was crowned, highlight reel finishes and 3 rounds wars were the standard as promised for weeks leading up to the event, this card consisted of all well matched fights, and it delivered on that promise big time.
Continuing with the innovative nature of the AFO, hours before the arena was even open you could have logged onto AFOMMA.com and viewed a live stream of the cage assembly, something that has never been done in MMA history, this rare glimpse behind the scenes was informative and enjoyable for the die-hard fans in the audience. Earlier in the day a one hour radio preview show was broadcast simultaneously on mmamonthly.org and afomma.com. The film crew was also present catching all of the action for a DVD release of the nights show as well as internet Pay Per View and on demand viewing and television.
The evening started off with a bang as Nick Chum from Team Pradal Serey picked up a victory over AFAA’s Raphael Cruz at 165 LBS. Cruz could not answer the bell for the 2nd Round and Chum’s record begins at 1-0. Cruz suffered a low blow in the 1st round and was given the full five minutes to recover by the official.
Team United representative Nathan Andrews also finished the night with a record of 1-0 as he scored a TKO victory Graham Butler. Butler suffered a cut in the 1st Rounds and the official called the fight to protect the fighters safety.
The third fight on the card saw our first submission victory of the night as Tim Leary locked in a rear naked choke in the first round of Mike Justice, gaining him the submission of the night award, Leary came to us by way of Team Redline and the fight was held at 175 LBS.
Next up was the first of two female fights on the card. WaiKru representative Katie Merill was able to bring fan favorite Koreena Goslin to the ground and work some stellar ground and pound to pick up the TKO victory.
The shows fifth fight of the evening turned into a war as AFO veteran and crowd favorite Theo Dejardin welcomed newcomer Devin Pilkington into the cage for the very first time. A back and forth battle that lasted through all 3 rounds was to be the first decision of the night and Devin Pilkington picked up the win in a fight that could have gone either way. Pilkington represents Rhode Island Combat Club and Desjardin fights out of Inner Circle, the bout was held at 135LBS.
In another bantam weight battle Fred “Lord Drac” Mandracchia and Team United’s Michael Aponte engaged in a hard fought contest. Eventually Drac was able to secure a body triangle and lock in a rear naked choke late in first for the tap. Manrdracchia picked up his first win inside the cage.
South Shore Sport Fighting was on hand for our next fight as popular 135er John Campbell was able to finish Cido Hoff with unanswered strikes. Campbell improves to 2-0 and looks to be a force at 135.
In what was a highly anticipated battle Sityodtong / North Shore BJJ competitor Tyson Chartier improved to a perfect 5-0 over highly regarded Mike Filiponi from AFAA who drops to 4-2, Tyson was able to score a rear naked choke in the 2nd to maintain his flawless record.
Next up Jerimiah Diruzzo another Team Redline representative improved to a perfect 2-0 when he finished Boyce Kaman with a guillotine choke.
In an epic 3 round war Dave LaChappelle from SSSF picked up the decision victory and the prestigious Carried Out Fight Gear “Fighter of the Night” award when he engaged in an absolute battle with NEMMA representative Erik Lee. LaChappelle fought through an early injury to walk away from the cage with an unbeaten record of 3-0.
In the second female fight of the night Trea Zelee from Doomsday MMA impressed everyone when she scored a viscous knockout over Neree Harrington midway through the first round. Trea kicks off her MMA career at 1-0 and is no doubt a force to be reckoned with at 145/Female.
In the 12th fight of the night, Dan Shields and Ricardo Georges entered the cage to do battle at 170. Late in the first round Shields found himself in a dangerous armbar but was able to survive. Seconds into the second Round Ricardo Georges, the muy thai specialist landed a viscous high kick that Shields took on the arm. Shields arm was broken on the blow but he continued to fight on through the second round. Shields was unable to fight in the third rounds and the fight was ended. Georges picks up his first win and added another victory on the night for Team Pradal- Serey.
At this point in the night the event could have ended and the sellout crowd would have gone home happy seeing an amazing night of mixed martial arts. However, Pete DiLorenzo and the AFO crew had other things in mind, at this point Last Man Standing had just begun!
In yet another 3 round war, Jeff Lynn from Dexter MMA picked up a decision win over previously undefeated Joe Pingtore from Team Rockstar.
Next up was another highly anticipated battle between South Shore Sport Fightings John DeRusha and Sityodtong’s Lewis Corapi. Both fighters entered the cage undefeated and from highly respected training camps. The fight lived up to the hype and was an exciting back and forth showcase. DeRusha was able to grind out the decision win and move up to 3-0. The fight had back and forth moments and both of these 155ers showed exceptional skill. A rematch down the line would be a “can’t miss” affair.
Tony Davy from Quincy, MA picked up another win with an impressive stoppage over the game Joey Clayton from Team United. The fight ended in the first and Davy improves to 3-2
We saw an impressive debut as newcomer Mike Zatek from Schneider MMA faced off against “Sloppy” Joe Lameroux from SSSF. The fight was back and forth and had a good mix of technicality and brawling. At the end of 3 rounds we went to the judge’s score cards. Zatek picked up the split decision victory and definitely impressed many in the crowd.
Knock Out of the night was awarded in the next bout, when one hammering right cross echoed through the arena. Leo Ikiki from Team Redline controlled most of the first round over Joe Powers from Dexter MMA. However Powers connected with the right and it was lights out for Ikiki in what was a highlight reel performance.
The Heavyweights were up next as Paul Barry from SSSF and Steve Skrzat from Fight Factory put on an impressive show. The crowd was unbelievably animated for this war and you could barely hear yourself think as the roof was completely blown off of Lombardo’s. Paul Barry found an opening and connected clean, rocking Skrzat, Paul followed things up with a barrage of blows and Steve began to back pedal fastly, Barry reigned in a few more blows as the referee stepped in to stop the fight with Steve still standing at 4:54 of round 1. Skrzat protested the stoppage
At this point in the show we could not ask for much more from the warriors of the AFO, and we still had three huge fights to come.
Kin “Kong” Moy and Mike Campanella was highly anticipated and both fighters came into the bout highly regarded. AFO Promoter Pete DiLorenzo was quoted on several radio shows saying that you do not want to go to the bathroom or even blink during this fight, and he could not have been more correct. Campanella started the fight with a takedown and controlled the action briefly on the ground, when the fighters returned to their feet Campanella landed some stiff body shots, but at the 1:41 mark Kin Moy unloaded an unbelievable head kick that sent Campanella crashing to the mat, the crowd was in stunned silence for a moment before exploding in a roar of cheers. Kin Moy from Team Redline improves to 3-0 and the very game Mike Campanella will return better than ever.
In the Co-Main event of the evening two of the area’s top wrestlers squared off as South Shore Sport Fighting’s Jeff Moore, a former wrestling coach, took on the previously undefeated Brian Marino. This fight went all three rounds and was a technical battle from the onset. Moore used his wrestling and Marino hung tough throughout the full 15 minute battle. Moore picked up the decision victory. We will definitely see both of these great competitors back in the future.
Finally, in our Main Event of the Evening, defending AFO Welterweight Champion Paddy “Thunder Kitten” Thompson took on BJJ ace Tim O’Connell. Paddy Thompson, who possess lightning speed and knockout power in both hands looked to keep things standing, but the fight hit the mat and O’Connell went right to work exhibiting his unbelievable jiu jitsu skills. O’Connell secured the back and got hooks in and immediately targeted Thompson’s neck, sinking in a rear naked choke and capturing his first Championship Title. Paddy Thompson, gracious in defeat strapped the title around O’Connell’s waist and raised his hands high as the crowd applauded both of these competitors and this amazing display of sportsmanship. Paddy is looking for the rematch and the fans in attendance and everyone who orders the dvd from afomma.com will be looking forward to that showdown.
As the night came to a close everyone in attendance knew that they had witnessed something special this evening, we saw a promotion rise to an expectation that they set for themselves and deliver a product unmatched in this area. Everyone looks forward to the return of the American Fighting Organization when they bring us “Night of Champions” in April.
badseed
on Feb 28th, 2010
@ 10:46 PM:
cruz would have had no problem coming out to the 2nd round if he didn’t catch 2 more blatant(spelling) low blows. classless victory celebration by nick in my opinion.
mike varner
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 9:25 AM:
Isnt Randolph in the South Shore
jsmithmma
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 1:07 PM:
Excellent show, best I’ve been to., keep up the good work . the three knockouts from that girl, that head kick and Joe Powers overhand right were insane, I even noticed the judges jumping up for them.
Jason Franklin
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 1:22 PM:
Like stated above, Raphael Cruz could have continued but took repeated shots to the groin. Only one was called and he was given the full 5 minutes to recover as he couldnt walk and had to vomit. After recovering he was kneed, two to three more times (ref said he didn’t see the knees). He couldn’t walk and after the round I could tell he was in no condition to keep fighting so I called the fight as his trainer. He was upset that I was stopping the fight but when a fighter can’t walk and appears to have to vomit due to flagrant fouls then I need to step in and do whats right for my guy.
Hopefully, it was the excitement of his first fight that his opponent hit him repeatedly below the shorts.
Ralphael wants a rematch if his opponent is down to do it again. Hell we will do the next AFO show.
A great night of shows other than that.
Theo
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 3:38 PM:
I was proud to be apart of this card and even tho I lost I couldnt be happier with my performance, Congrats to Devin once again. Kin honestly had the sickest KO of the night, that was some impressive stuff. All around sickest night of fights AFO has put on and New England has seen. Cant wait for April!
WarwickWrestler
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 7:13 PM:
i was at the show. Finally some good ass match making! great fights, a couple sick knockouts, and some tuff battles! american fight org made me a believer
ringo
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 7:37 PM:
Paul Barry from SSSF was he from MFS in Hooksett?
DiLorenzo
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 11:45 AM:
I’ve gotten many emails about the DVD and how to order them, If you go to our site now, it’s on the home page (afomma.com) .. I would love to see a rematch in April Jason, thank you and will work on putting that together for you. I posted it before the review went up but I’ll say it again, Thank you to all the fighters for a GREAT show!! The camera crew said it was the most energy in a room they have seen in a while, so that was pretty cool to hear…
mcampanella
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 2:12 PM:
I know I am going to catch a lot of flack for this, and I’m not trying to take anything away from Kin’s victory, but I would like a rematch at some point (most likely as professionals). I fought that fight with a subluxed right shoulder and pinched medial nerve in my neck. The ONLY reason I pulled away from the cage so rapidly was because of the extreme pain I felt in my right arm/hand as a result of my pinched nerve being reaggravated in the clinch. WIthout even thinking (as I reacted to the pain), I put myself at perfect range for Kin’s Head Kick from Hell. But again, I’m not taking a thing away from Kin and his talent – most guys don’t land that head kick and I try and continue fighting. Regardless, I want a rematch (in a few months after my shoulder, head, jaw, and neck heal…haha).
Great night of fights regardless.
Mike
Bill Mahoney
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 2:20 PM:
Paul trained at Guy Chases then Team Woo, which I think has some MFS affiliation, cause he did train with some MFS guys at some point and tells me stuff he learned.No idea if it was in Hooksett, but he is very well trained.All those who trained him and with him in the past should be very proud.
Andre 3000
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 3:42 PM:
woooow….what a great night of fights…my first afo show and i must say iam now a fan…..jus wanna say congrats to team united and TR*…win or lose you guys fought your hearts out!
edcarr
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 4:17 PM:
Paul Barry trained with us at MFS-NH in Hooksett. Paul is a very good freind and a great fighter. He is with SSSF now, a great team and great trainers. We are very proud of him and look forward to seeing him fight again.
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 6:01 PM:
Hi everyone, the highly anticipated trailer for Last Man Standing is available at http://www.afomma.com , come see what all the fuss is about
DiLorenzo
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 6:45 PM:
Oh Man!! That’s f”in bad ass!! That’s the coolest thing I’ve seen – Props to Pro Vizion (yes thats the right spelling)!! You did a great Job!! The DVD comes with complete Commentary as well… If you didn’t see it go check it out http://www.afomma.com!!
Theo
on Mar 2nd, 2010
@ 6:58 PM:
That trailer is sick!!!! Cant wait for my copy of the DVD and the full Pictorial that comes with it…If you missed the fights I’d seriously suggest buying the DVD cuz you missed a night of MMA History!!!!
Brian Olsen
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 11:37 AM:
AFO show was a great show and I was glad to have my amateurs on the show. Hopefully more shows to come.
But one question. What’s up with the amateurs in Mass now? I getting conflicting reports. I get emails from promoters who say they are going on with their shows in April and I get some promoters that say no way. Can anyone clarify this for me. Thanks.
DiLorenzo
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 9:18 PM:
@ mike – I’m a real big fan of yours and would love to see u and Kin go back at it when your healthy and I hope it’s with us when your both ready – That was my pick for fight of the night going into the evening.
@Brian – here is the deal as i know it and from what I was told – The new board is working very hard right now to go through countless pages getting ready. As far as amateurs, they have Krane (spelling) coming in to over see them so Mass can have them. Our next show is Apr 24th (that the date we put in to the commission) and we are now planing to move forward with amateurs as long as all stays on course with the panel – nothing is final and no dates are really final either as they have a ton of work to do and and all trying to get it done in time….. I don’t think I spoke out of line, if so I’m sure Kevin can correct anything I said thats not right.
WarwickWrestler
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 9:34 PM:
The show was really off the hook, the team with the sinner shirts on looked real dangerous, anyone know anything about them? I have seen all the shows except maybe a couple but this was my first afo show and i am hooked, i am definately lookin to pick up a dvd.
DiLorenzo
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 9:38 PM:
@wrestler – thanks for the DVD plug, I feel like I owe u one now. Sinister is out of Ct – They had a great showing Last Friday night, we definitely will have them back hopefully on the 24th
Jason Franklin
on Mar 3rd, 2010
@ 11:19 PM:
Brian,
There is no concrete answer at this time but I believe the commission is working hard to address all needs and problems. I believe all promotions are scheduling events in accordance with the information they have until the Commission otherwise states so.
Trust me, its a crazy time for all promotion both amateurs and PRO.
saroeum
on Mar 4th, 2010
@ 2:46 PM:
I’m Kru Saroeum from the Team Pradal Serey and I trains Nick and Ricardo and a few more fighters out of Boston Fight gym in Revere MA. I would also support Jason idea as well on a rematch between Nick and Raphael… so please Pete, anything you can do to help make this possible that would great. Thanks!
I also wanted to make a comment posted by Rick on the reviewed Last man Standing that Ricardo Georges is NOT a Muy Thai specialist. He is a Kun Khmer fighter/ Pradal Serey fighter. A Khmer oldest traditional style and the origion of where Muy Thai come from. so please take notice! My Team Pradal Serey are grateful for the opportunity and is looking forward to share and learn. Respectfully, Kru Saroeum
DiLorenzo
on Mar 4th, 2010
@ 8:46 PM:
Cool guys start training!! April 24th is the Event and many have asked to see this fight again – I thank you both for being so professional and wanting to do it again in the AFO Cage! I also look forward to seeing it again myself!
JohnSepulvedaAFO
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 3:22 AM:
@saroeum , don’t blame rick for the mistake, he actually just posts the review, I wrote the review… I appologize for not having a clear understanding on the difference in fighting styles, I actually researched Pradal Serey quite a bit since fight night, but had little/no knowledge if it before then. I did not intend to give incorrect information.
Andre 3000
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 3:27 AM:
hey pete….is their any amatuer fights april 24th?
DiLorenzo
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 8:04 AM:
Yea as I posted up a bit back on this thread it looks like there will be – I already have u down for it, lol….
saroeum
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 12:09 PM:
JohnSepulvedaAFO thank you so much for your note and please forgive me if my comments come across as blaming because it was never intended that way. My hope is to only educate and sharing!
I am glad that you are doing your own research and educating yourself about Pradal Serey and the Khmer people. Thanks so much John and again please forgive me if I do cause harm in any small way. Gratefully – Kru Saroeum
Pete Thank you and very exciting about April because its also the Khmer New Year Month as well. Thanks!
Andre 3000
on Mar 5th, 2010
@ 3:43 PM:
hahaha ic ic….thanks pete and we’ll keep in touch man….april 24th sounds good!
DiLorenzo
on Mar 6th, 2010
@ 10:07 AM:
April is shaping up nicely I gotta tell ya these last few shows we’ve done have been a total collaboration with fighters, teams and fans!! I couldn’t be happier with the product we have created together. Andre I spoke to your coaches just yesterday and there all set… Soroeum I got your message yesterday but I’m in PA right now on a wrestling trip, I will call you on Monday and thank you very much-
Andre 3000
on Mar 7th, 2010
@ 3:18 AM:
thanks pete…u da man!