On March 26, 2010 we saw a couple firsts in local MMA…first event at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, and first event sanctioned by the newly formed athletic commission. I’m going to try to cover a lot here, but I’ll start with the fights, because the fighters as always are the ones deserving credit. There were some last minute changes. The commission did not license Jeff Lynch, and I believe it was due to lack of experience, and Joe Kavey did not pass his medicals. So Mario Cardia was matched with Billy Walsh after the weigh-in.
The first fight was Greg DaSilva vs. Nick Drummond. The fight was basically one big scramble with both guys spending some time on top. Greg showed some good top control early, but ultimately Nick locked up a tight triangle for the win. It was a good way to start the night. My one issue with this fight is that the ref was bullied into taking a point away. Greg touched the fence a couple times and Nick’s corner was screaming that it was bogus and that “if it happens again, you better take a point!” Sure enough, there was a slight grab that didn’t really impact the fight, and the point deduction took place without any real verbal warnings. It didn’t matter in the end, but my issue with taking a point early without a warning is that if another fence grab took place, it would have been a DQ because that’s the rule…if you take a point, and it happens again, DQ. That would have been a bad way to end any fight, let alone the highly scrutinized “first” sanctioned MMA fight under the new rules and new commission.
Fight 2 was Robby Roberts vs. Tom Van Der Horst and Robby looked the best I’ve ever seen him look. Robby hit him with a couple punches and a big knee on the feet, then they had a weird scramble where Robby got on top, and basically had a wizzer with on Tom’s close arm, and Tom’s far arm was trapped under him, so Robby’s right hand was free to smash Tom. Tom was face down and Robby did stop after Tom went out, which was cool to see. The ref had a tough angle on it, and Robby could have landed several more. Great win for Robby.
Steve Skrzat made quick work of Andy Lampson with huge punches and Lampson was out cold on his feet against the fence. It looked similar to Dave Menne vs. Phil Baroni. Lampson was ok after the fight, but it initially looked bad.
Walsh vs. Cardia was a great fight. The stand up was pretty close, but I had Cardia getting the better of it. He scored a ton of takedowns also, and was able to pass and mount a couple times. I’m not sure why he kept going for submissions from mount, because his ground and pound was landing and he looked close to getting it stopped. Either way, Walsh kept avoiding the submissions, stood his ground and made Cardia work for it. Both guys ate some shots, but in the end Cardia took a hard fought unanimous decision. Cardia is now 2-0, and Walsh looked tough in the loss.
The ring announcer called Anthony Dick “Andy” a few times…like the comedian. Anthony took a big kick from Rebello and hit the ground. He looked mentally out of it before the fight started, and the follow up swarm from Rebello was enough to get the stop. It was later revealed that Anthony was fighting with a heavy heart. His child was in the hospital fighting for his life, but he refused to pull out of the fight. Your child is in our prayers, Anthony.
Calvin Kattar took on the 8-0, but relative unknown Jeff Anderson and we didn’t know what to expect. These two guys stood toe to toe for 3 rounds, and I was amazed at the chin on Jeff. He took some huge knees, and big punches and just kept coming. Both rounds 1 and 2 never hit the mat, and most of round 3 was the two of them standing in the pocket going to war. It truly was awesome. This fight was right up there with Carlo-Clauss vs. Kattar from XCFL 1. Calvin hit a nice throw with about a minute left and unloaded with ground and pound from back mount. I don’t think it hurt Anderson, but he took a ton of clean shots. He wasn’t happy with the stoppage, but he was about 60 seconds away from a hard fought, but clear 30-27 loss, and Calvin was on his back punching him in the face. It was a sick fight though. I’m anxious to see Jeff again, and was surprised he was that good and I hadn’t seen him yet.
Dan Keefe’s fans all has ghost masks on sticks, and it was flat out awesome. Round one had a few great scrambles from two great wrestlers, and Keefe got the better of it. He controlled and won round 1, but looked tired as the round came to a close. Round 2 was more of the same with both guys getting takedowns, only to have their opponent jump right up. Lance get the better of the rest of the round and was able to keep Keefe down and land some solid ground and pound.
I had it 1 round each going into round 3, and Lance scored a take down early in the round, and Dan started working a triangle. It looked like Lance felt it coming, but thought he was ok. Dan inched it up, then another inch, and eventually Lance was stuck. There were times that it looked like he could have exploded out but was afraid to lose position. Dan finished the triangle for the win, the XCFL title, and is now set to take on Bubba McDaniels on Moosin’s PPV event.
Tateki Matsuda vs. Anthony Leone was another amazing fight, and it went all 5 rounds. Leone was actually winning the stand up in the early going with serious aggression. He didn’t look to hurt Tateki, but was landing. He did drop Tateki, but it looked like a slip. Bottom line, though, Tateki was on the mat, where Leone wanted him. He worked a bit on the ground, but Tateki got back to his feet. The huge firemans carry from Leone punctuated the round.
Round 2 was a lot like round 1 with Leone being so aggressive that Tateki had trouble getting his timing down, and Leone securing some takedowns.
Round 3 was the fight I expected to see. Tateki started to land in the stand up, and was able to avoid some takedowns. He landed a big headkick, and Leone must have a hell of a chin because he kept coming. This was the first round I scored for Tateki.
Round 4 was very close with Leone working hard for the takedown, and Tateki sprawling and landing shots on the break. Leone landed a little in the stand up as well, but I thought Tateki got the better of the exchanges. Very close round and I could see either getting it on the cards, but if I was forced to score it, 10-9 Tateki.
The final round was a pretty clean round for Leone. He caught a kick early and took Tateki down and never really let him up. He had a slick pass, and the round was basically Tateki getting guard back, then Leone passing to half, then Tateki getting back guard. At the very end of the round, Tateki got up and landed the knee to the head from hell but Leone was on his knees. Leone then punched Tateki and it got crazy for a second. I was unsure about what was going down and was worried that a possible point deduction from Tateki landing an illegal knee, or Leone losing a point for hitting him after the bell would be a difference in the fight.
Ultimately they decided that the knee was a split second after the round ended, and the punch was clearly after the bell, and from what I was told, nothing that happens after the bell in the final round really matters. The fight was scored a split decision for Leone, and it was a great win.
Now, onto some random notes. I really liked having a timer on the screens. It was easy for me to keep track and score rounds. I also liked the videos they had before the fights, and at various times through out the night. They didn’t have this on their first show because they had no content from past events. They had a few slick highlights from previous shows and my only complaint was that they didn’t do anything to draw attention to the monitors before the videos, and the lighting was tough. It was really bright in the auditorium, and some times that made the screens hard to see.
They also called Matt Lee into the cage, and presented him a check for $2000. They said something about a new foundation they were starting to help grow the sport, and their plan to grow the sport is to support new, and up and coming schools. It was a cool gesture from the XCFL.
As far as the commission goes…yes, there were some issues, but none were earth shattering. The rules meeting was very late, and led to the event starting late, but that was no big deal. The guys reading the rules did a good job, and there was no confusion. Some guys were not allowed to fight for one reason or another, and my only complaint with that is if there is no amateur fights for guys to get experience in, how can we refuse to let guys fight because of lack of experience? It’s going to get very hard for matchmakers if they can’t use any first time fighters. I’m sure there will be some adjustments here, and if that was the biggest issue with the first show, no big deal.
They did have their own side to the cage, which was fine too. Some people didn’t like the way the commission basically got to sit where ever they wanted and would kick people out of seats. Well, they have the right to do that, and the easy way to avoid that is to get a piece of paper, write your name on it and place it on the table in front of your seat. Overall, there were no major issues, and that is really all you can ask for.
All in all, both the XCFL and the Commission did a good job, and the last 3 fights were as good a trio of main events as I’ve seen lately.
Everyone is saying I punched Tateki after the knee. I actually just stuck my finger in his face and pushed him away… I knew he did it on purpose and was just in the moment. I shouldnt of done anything at all but it got crazy for a second.. Other then that there is no hard feeling.. its a fight and anything can happen.
The Anthony Dick match made me think…”WTF”. Why would that match be made. Greg is class and showed real concern after the fight.
The rules meeting started late as a result of fighters not being in the venue on time if I recall. There were definitely some hiccups with much of the behind the scenes stuff, but overall I think the show ran much better than what it could have run (being the first show under the new commission)
There are some things that fans/promoters will have to get used to having a real commission (ringside seats, family in the locker rooms etc.) There are things the commission will have to learn as well…. MMA is NOT boxing. The athletes fighting are different than boxers, and have different needs. An effective commission will regulate and not get in the way of a good show, again, in my opinion. HOWEVER, the first couple of shows will be educational in my opinion. When fighters/corners/promoters know the expectations of the commission, there will be fewer surprises, delays, and drama.
I am sure over the next month or so there will be MANY opinions of the commission. Many will make comparisons to the way things ‘used to be’. We (the mma community) did an outstanding job self regulating over the past 5 years. The sport is going to the next level with the commission. Be patient. I am confident that things will run smooth, fighters will have better opportunities, promoters will put on better shows, and most importantly, the sport we love so much, will grow in our area, which ultimately create opportunities for everyone.
I would love to hear how some of the local Big Show fighters/camps think. The guys that have had to deal with California’s commission on medicals (painful doesn’t describe it enough), or Nevada’s commission. Try getting in touch with someone at the New Jersey commission… after a couple of shows under our belt, I would be curious to hear what you guys think.
By the Way, did you guys notice the size of butterbean? holly crap, he has no neck. He walked like a cripple though, like his 300+ pounds hurt to carry.
Fights like Rebello vs. Dick happen all the time, and I think if we try to stop fights like that, we’ll run into a very slippery slope. Where does it stop? Every single show has had fights like that, and every single camp has had a fighter on at least one side of that. In my opinion, if both guys know what they are getting into, and both are professional fighters, the fight should be allowed.
I am not implying that any of that should change…I am just saying that is a WTF moment.
I was honestly waiting all weekend to see this posting, and how it would pan out. I was pretty confident it couldnt be the this show was great, and it was this or that. You had a hard line to walk on this one Rick, and I see that you did a very noble job on this post. You really have no where to go on it. Everything that could be said I believe was on the last thread. And to top it off that Dick wrote back in to confirm that his check bounced…lets just say that should be the final tally on what apparently was major dissapointment to not only the fans, but as for the promoters as well. Three good fights, yes, but in the end will we remember the 3 fights or the mass confusion…haha, no pun intended!! Lets let it rest in peace
As a guy who was scheduled to face dick this friday(which he absolutely promised would happen, then dropped out for no reason) I can say I had no way of knowing just how awful he was , I mean I heard he was terrible, but also heard he was no joke with good boxing and pro wins.So Greg or his manager may have thought yeah, Dicks and opponent, but maybe a tough opponent.Also there’s the issues with guys dropping out and stuff, not sure if that fight was scheduled all along, but it may have been.I was just on two cards where I was looking(after years of inactivity, illness and injury) for a guy who wasn’t a killer, but still a test.Well the guys they put me vs who were that….they all dropped out.Then I got the choice of facing a guy who’s ok, the right level for me now, but who keeps going in and out and often doesn;t show for the fight, or a lesser guy but who at least gets in the cage.Just saying it’s a pain in the butt and I wouldn’t blame Rebello.
mr Mahoney no disrespect towards you i was offered more money for this fight and my family needed it i am sorry if gary is cool and you as well the next cfx card i would be happy to fight you just to have a good fight finally and a fair one at that right now i am concerning with my son and after that hopefully we can make this happen sir
I just spoke to the XCFL and they said there was an issue with a deposit going in after hours and it not posting by the time Anthony tried to cash the check. They said they have already spoken to Anthony and that he will be taken care of immediately.
Before you all jump on me about how this is BS and they should have made sure the cash was there, etc…I posted the results of the conversation I just had with them. I’m not the bank, nor was I on the phone when they spoke to Dick. It looks like Dick just posted that he spoke to them and is going to keep us in the loop.
Of course thats what they said Rick. They told me the same thing and I didn’t even get a check period.
EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE! THE GREATEST!
To insider, what do you mean I had to walk a hard line?
I think I look at fights different than many people on this site, and I want to give you guys a little insight on why I like certain things. First, I only really expect promoters to control things they can control. So when fights end early, I don’t blame them if the fights looked good going in. What I mean by that is when a fight like Skrzat vs. Lampson was a rematch of a fight that was good the first time around, and Lampson wanted the rematch because he took the first one on short notice, I expected this one to be good, or even better. We can’t call it a shit fight now that we saw the result.
I had the same thing happen on the last WCF. Matt Martin vs. Peter Cole was great on paper, and Matt triangled him in about 90 seconds, and about 45 of the fight was Peter trying to work his way out. Same thing with Bonnell vs. De Souza. Bonnell went up in weight, and won by quick KO. Stuff like that happens and you can’t really blame the matchmaker.
As far as starting late, I expected that with it being the first show under the new commission…same for the issues with the commission not letting reporters in the locker rooms, and other random confusion. Anyone who expected that show to run smooth was crazy.
When I say I really liked the fights…I really liked the fights. I have never liked amateur MMA. Not sure why…maybe it’s for the same reasons I love the NFL but hate college football. I also get bored watching 5 hours of fights…call me a snob, but I’ve seen thousands of fights and get frustrated when I have to watch 15 amateur fights to get to the 5 pro fights that I want to see.
I know I’m not the average fan…I know many people would LOVE to see 20 fights, and really don’t care if it’s pro or amateur. As long as the action is good, they like it. That’s not me though…I really like Combat Zone’s shows…mostly because they are like 8-10 fights, and always have a few “big” fights at the end. When I say big, I mean fights between ranked guys. That’s what I like. One of my favorite fights ever was between Bobby Diaz and Bobby McMasters, or Josh Key vs. Luis Felix. The reason I love both is because there was a ton of action, tons of face punching, and a stoppage in the last round.
I love seeing clear winners, and fights between ranked guys are what I really like…you can probably tell by the way I match WCF…we have 10-13 fights every show, all of them are pro, and I try to fill the show with ranked guys, or other pros that are close to being ranked. That’s what I like as a fan.
So when I say, I REALLY liked the last 3 fights…I did. As a fan, the XCFL event had exactly what I wanted to see…I know I’m not the norm, though…but I am supposed to speak my opinion on shows. That had been a problem in the past because I was at a show that I was loving the fights, but commented on how I hated the raffle and t-shirt cannon, and all the time spent throwing t-shirts into the crowd. That stuff bores me, but I talked to some casual fans and they look forward to the raffle and t-shirt give-aways. So I try not to comment on that anymore.
I also know some fans LOVE amateur fights, even more than pro fights because they tend to turn into wars, and guys can take more shots with bigger gloves, and some amateurs are more hungry. I understand it, but it’s not my cup of tea…so I try to send other writers to shows with t-shirt cannons and tons of amateurs because I want to make sure I don’t write a crappy review because I saw a ton of amateur fights, got a free t-shirt but didn’t see any ranked fighters vs. other ranked fighters.
My one complaint about the XCFL was the double intermission. I wasn’t sure if they wanted the intermissions, if the venue required it, or if it was a commission thing, so I left it out.
just wanted to say i got paid i went a few hrs ago and the money was good so my check cashed so i guess there was some stuff or something anyhow just wanted to say my son is coming home wednesday for those who hav been and i am gonna come back when i dont now but as soon as i can get a fight i am coming and dammitt i am winning this one thanks all
Nicely stated Rick. I completely agree with you (although I love the amateur bouts). One thing that I don’t think that many people realize is how crazy it was for the first promotion. Even if you were not impressed with the entire show, the XCFL guys still stepped up and put on an event just 25 days after a brand new commission was formed. Mind you, on March 1st there were not even rules in place! Now some could say they should have waited and let somebody else take the first jump into the pool, but that does’nt seem to be their style. Dave and Donnie went to many meetings with the commission and jumped through every hoop that was asked of them. I really respect that. Going forward, this event will help all involved in the local scene. It helped the commission to see how an MMA event works, it helped other promoters by showing them how things are going to run with the commission in place, and it also helped fightersand corners by setting a standard in regards to how to get their licenses. To bo honest, I thought it was going to be a long time before there was going to be a card in MA. In the end, the commission did their part, the XCFL did theirs, and now it is onward and upward to better our sport. Were there some hiccups? Of course, but that’s to be expected. There will continue to be as the wrinkles get ironed out. In the end, the show that many thought would never happen did. Now there is a starting point. For that I am very optimistic.
I got paid no issues at all, I don’t know why people shit on the XCFL, Joe Kavey you shouldn’t be pissed what so ever that you didn’t get paid, you shouldn’t have. You were going to originally no show at the weigh ins then they had to beg you to come down for it. You obviously knew about the fight a long time prior and you show up without an EKG your unprofessionalism in a sport like this is disgraceful. You should not be bad mouthing this organization you shouldn’t have gotten a penny from them the SHOW money is for people that actually show up and get in the cage. Not for showing up to the weigh ins an hour late after being begged because you wanted to just pull a no show on your opponent and on top of it not have any medicals ready. This promotion is doing nothing more than running what I think is a good show, just as good as any other and sure there is kinks to be worked out but I think they will fix them. I just don’t think they deserve the bad press and most of it is probablly coming from the same person with different names
I’m happy somone that fought in the show is speaking up. I’d like to hear more from the fighters on the card, instead of the competition posting. It used to be all about fighters here, and now it seems that it’s all opinions, and it sucks that most of it is from other organizations just trying to talk crap.
I told Dave I would see him later in the week to get paid, I knew it would be crazy on the fight night, and why not wait? Walk in, and be paid instead of sitting around all night.
I think the XCFL is doing a great job.
I just want to say that the XCFL has been nothing but good to me. They have been straight forward with every issue that has crossed between they and I and have never done anything underhanded to me in the least. Yes, after the fights it got weird with security pushing us out as we waited for our paychecks, but bear in mind that the XCFL was not in charge of that. The guys at the XCFL have their hearts in the right place and I will fight for them any day. This is a very hard event to judge them on. So many factors were completely out of their hands, and unfortunately for the next few months I’m sure we will see a lot of the same. The commission is learning as they go, which will make for a lot of mistakes, misunderstandings, and other issues. For instance; while guys were getting their hands wrapped they needed to have a representative from the commission oversee the process and sign off on it, I heard 3 of the commission’s people flat out admit they had no idea what they were looking at. In fact, some of the fighters/trainers were teaching the commission as they wrapped the hands that the commission needed to sign off on. Things will get better and more organized as time passes. Anthony Dick had an issue with his paycheck, but it was resolved, and we haven’t heard anyone else yet say that they had issues (my check cashed easy). The XCFL may be guilty of trying to be too big too fast, but is that really that bad of a thing? You can’t say that the production value isn’t there, the shows look great. As for the fights, mismatches happen. It’s part of the sport unfortunately.
And as for Joe Kavey complaining about not getting paid… honestly give it a rest. I like you Joe, you’re a friend of mine, but you are being totally unreasonable. You showed up to weigh-ins almost 2 hours late. You weighed in at 166 for a fight that was contracted at 155. You came without your medicals done. You did all this and claimed that your managed told you “you didn’t need the EKG” and that your manager said “you couldn’t even come to the weigh-ins”. When you walked in the door you played up that you didn’t even know what weight you needed to be. But you signed a contract and knew full well what was needed. Joe, you posted on the preview that our fight was at 155. The only reason why your contract MIGHT not have been void is because I drank over 10 pounds of water after I weighed in and the commission let me re-weigh-in so that we could catchweight at 165.
No worries AD,it’s our fault, cause fool me twice shame on me.I should have known.
I had another guy agree to fight me, pull out with an injury, get offered more money, he jumps back in and then pulls out again 3 days out..
It’s no biggie cause I don’t train for fights anymore.I just assume they won;t happen.
I have posters listing fight cards on my gyms walls with around 12 fights listed, generally 2-4 of the fights happen.IMO there are 5 phony fighters for every real one.
XCFL is a great organization thats doing the right things to make mma in new england better, there putting on great fights, they have a great production and I cant speak for other but they have treated me really well and I will fight for them as long as they want me to. Every show has its mismatches but everyone has to look at all the things that happen, maybe someone gets hurt so someone else wants to step up and fight someone who might be better than them or even alot better but it gives the person thats stepping up a big chance and it gives the other fighter and opportunity to still fight and not have to wait because someone dropped out. If you didn’t fight and is complaing about not getting paid, thats not their problem, come prepared next time. All shows have diff things thats good for mma around here, some have great production, some have great fights, some have great crowds, and thats just the way it is.
btw: I found this website that has world rankings and some of the guys ranked from around new england are there, thought it was pretty cool.
http://www.fightmatrix.com
mr mahoney i am sorry i train myself when i can i go to school my wife works and i take care of my kids during the day the chance came to help out my family and that what i did i know your not talking shit or anything i know this fight was gonna happen and i am sorry i would liek to make it up as i said i will start training as soon as my rib heals up and i would love to fight you still if that is ok i want another fight against someone who i have a chance of not only having a fair fight but maybe even win
Gee thanks, Dick.
It is good to see fighters standing up for their promotions here on this site. Yes, there will be difference on opinions, as well as from the fans and certain camps, but the fact remains, as I have stressed in other posts here, this is exactly what needs to be done. Positive and negative opinions, because not only is that where the line in the sand is drawn, but the resolution of such matters can not only be viewed by all, but the deliberations of both sides are viewed to misconstrue any vieable opinions left unaddressed!! Bravo!!
Nice article in the Herald on the event:
http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1242855&format=comments&cnum=4
XCFL put on a high level show this last weekend. As a fighter and promotor, I tend to notice the little things that they were trying to do. Like having fruit in the locker room and a TV monitor that showed the fights on the stage. The fights were awesome!!! Even though it was the first show done with the boxing commission, they made it seem effortless. The final result was just top notch. As far as Greg’s opponent, let me just say that happens, but it was a one out of 8 fights that night which is very good.
Well lets see Billy I explained that I was told I was not allowed to fight because of my EKG and I put the weight back on. Then I recieved calls saying to show up anyway. You need to check the dudes your rollin with man. Sketch city up in the XCFL. I didnt play any bullshit. Ill show you some bullshit when we fight in Vermont.
Oh yeah and on the manager thing Bill. Hes fucking done. I have been dragged around and screwed over since he’s been my manager shits over with I am on my own again.
” I didnt play any bullshit. Ill show you some bullshit when we fight in Vermont.” You ah…. wanna clarrify that statement. I think I may have missunderstood that one.
We are fighting in Vermont July 24th. Not trying to turn this fucking forum into an argument I just want whats mine. Kid’s need to stop talking shit when they don’t have facts. Lets leave it at that.
kavey you need to just shut up and smile since these guys were good enough to throw you $$$ for doing nothing. show money means you have to actually get in the cage. that’s the problem with too many people nowadays they want to get rewarded just for being born.
why not take those few duckets and pay for some classes at your local mma gym? whatever happened to you laying low and getting those skills together to strike fear in the hearts of men? or maybe i was thinking about the dark knight…anyhoo i’m sure the hippies in vermont can’t wait for your triumphant return to the cage.
“Ill show you some bullshit when we fight in Vermont” is hilarious btw
Oh last time I promise. Say what you want I am not going to respond anymore. I will be in Vermont on the 24th ready to fight. After that fight I ill be ghost for awhile because I need to get a gym, get better, and start winning. Make fun of me go for it! I will be back and better and you will talk shit now and wear my t-shirt later on in life.
i will make fun of you, its what i do best.
you promised it would be the last time the last time you wrote that and the time before that and the time before that…
just so you know i’m wearing a joe kavey t-shirt right now. bought it cheap since it was covered in tears and bullshit.
I look forward to fighting you here in my hometown on July 24th Kavey, Maybe you’ll like it here enough to stay and train with us. Door is always open my friend.
LOL@tears and bullshit.
Not trying to bust balls, Joe…but why did you get that tattoo? Everytime I see it, all I can think of is that cell phone commercial when the asian doctor says to the orange guy “You Tiger Now.”
OH SNAP!!!
That just HAPPENED!
Callin out a brotha’s ink. Every time I see it, I think “that dude is FIERCE…….rrrrrrraaaaaoooooowwwww!”
Hakuna Matata MOFO’s…………THEYYYYYYYYYYRE GREAT!!!!!
Rick!
How dare you disrespect the Kitty tat…wtf
this is the funniest shit i have ever scene on here… lmao
Wow…I guess Kavey really is staying off the board for a while…I was just trying to get him to come back and post again after saying “last time I promise.” Joe is really sticking to his guns this time…you will be missed Mr. Kavey.