Heading into WFC 10 Friday night a lot of things did not seem to be going the promotion’s way. Chief among them was the main event – scheduled as a showdown between Stephen Stengel and undefeated prospect Scott Nichols – falling through just two days ago when Nichols pulled out of the fight for unknown reasons. However sometimes when things seem to be going wrong with a card is when they end up the best, and that’s exactly what happened on this night at the Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington.
Dan Bonnell and Christian Rivera stepped into the main event slot, and the veteran Bonnell scored a decisive and quick submission win. It was the undercard, though, including two great fights of Chris Madden versus Buster Crandall, and Noah Weisman versus Luis Felix, that delivered non-stop action and gave the fans a solid night of entertainment.
Buster Crandall’s fight against Chris Madden produced four minutes of some of the most insane warfare you’ll ever see waged in mixed martial arts. What it lacked in clean technique and defensive considerations was more than made up for with all-out excitement on offense, huge heart from both fighters, and back and forth exchanges that drove the crowd into a frenzy. The first minute was relatively straightforward with some early strikes standing and then a takedown and brief groundwork. Once Madden was able to get out from under Crandall and back to his feet was when the fireworks started. Both fighters looked like they were on the verge of being knocked clean out only to regain composure and put the other guy in trouble. They kept banging for about two minutes longer than seemed possible and the crowd was roaring. Buster Crandall finally landed a series of strikes that left Chris Madden stumbling backwards and out on his feet, and referee Kevin MacDonald saved him from any unnecessary final shots. Big win for Buster and an epic fight.
In contrast to that bout was the co-main event of the night, featuring rising lightweight contender and BJJ brown belt Noah Weisman taking on Rockstar’s Luis Felix. Weisman has been training with some top camps and maturing quickly as a fighter. Despite his jiu-jitsu credentials, rumors were that he wanted to showcase an improved standup game in this fight. Weisman immediately pressed the action and forced a high pace, but both guys showed solid technique and composure. Weisman was the quicker of the two and landed more strikes, but Felix had the power advantage and looked as though he had the capability to score the knockout with one strike. A couple of early exchanges showed how dangerous Felix was, making questionable Weisman’s strategy of not even looking for the takedown. Weisman stayed in the pocket, though, and he increasingly took control as the fight entered the later stages. Felix may have sealed the first round in the judge’s eyes with a big takedown as the horn sounded, but the fight was more or less even. The second round saw only a glimpse of the ground game when Felix slipped from a missed high kick and Weisman looked to take advantage. Weisman was able to move to side control, but Felix to his credit got out of danger and back to his feet. In the third and final round, Weisman’s intense pace and a series of earlier kicks and punches to the body finally caught up with Felix. The final sequence saw Weisman land his third thudding kick to the midsection of the fight, followed up by a clinch and huge knee to the head, and then an ending punch that dropped Felix to the mat. All in all it was a superb fight and indeed demonstrated that Noah’s commitment to honing his standup technique is paying dividends. With a little more size and power added to his frame, Weisman could increasingly be a nightmare for any local lightweight fighter.
Joel Ly and Anthony Kaponis also looked notably good in victory.
Full results…
STEVE BECK (154) vs JARROD JOHNSON (146)
Round 1: Circling and pawing jabs to start. Johnson goes for a single leg but Beck threatens with a guillotine attempt and they are back standing. Next attempt from Johnson and he gets Beck down to the mat. Johnson to side control and to the back, and smoothly sinks in a RNC.
Jarrod Johnson wins by rear naked choke at 2:43 of round 1.
CHRIS MADDEN (173) vs BUSTER CRANDALL (173)
Round 1: Crandall throws a kick, quick counter from Madden. Crandall takedown into Madden’s guard and he starts landing some elbows and short strikes to the body. Madden does a good job pushing him off and they’re back up. Now they just start unloading on each other, each guy landing solid blows. This is crazy and I can’t even take notes on all of the big shots that they are both connecting with. Seriously, every time it looks like either Madden or Crandall is about to crash to the canvas, they come back and turn the tide. 3 minutes of pure insanity and crowd is going nuts. Both guys showing huge heart but now Buster Crandall is starting to land several shots with Madden unable to return fire. Madden eats a final wicked punch that sends him stumbling backwards and out on his feet. Referee Kevin MacDonald shows why he’s the best in the area with a well-timed stoppage. This was epic.
Buster Crandall wins by TKO at 4:31 of round 1.
JOSH MELLEN (?) vs SHAWN BAKER (184)
Round 1: Both guys have brought it in prior bouts so this should be good. Clinch to start, Baker lands some good knees inside while Mellen throws punches to the body. High kick from Mellen slaps Baker’s face. In close again and Baker looks for a guillotine but Mellen passes to side control in a scramble. More quick positional changes and as they are back up and then down to the mat again, Mellen throws up a triangle and has Baker in trouble. At first Mellen tries to work for an armbar but quickly shifts his focus to the choke and Baker is forced to tap.
Josh Mellen wins by triangle choke at 3:01 of round 1.
LEE EMMITT (189) vs THOMASROY GUSLER (186)
Round 1: Brawling start, several exchanges where each guy is landing with no clear advantage. Emmitt barrels in for a takedown and is into side control. Gusler back up but quickly taken down again. Emmitt around to Gusler’s back and landing some good hammerfists to the side of the head. Back up to the feet with more good exchanges. Gusler connects but Emmitt takes him down again. Emmitt into full mount and right when the 10 second mark is signaled, he goes for a nice armbar. Might have been able to finish but not enough time. My score: 10-9 Emmitt.
Round 2: Clinch and Emmitt with a takedown. Emmitt dominating the grappling aspect, in side control, looking for a kimura, then to full mount. Gusler tries to buck him off and finally able to get out when Emmitt tries to go for another submission. Back up, but Emmitt able to take Gusler down almost at will. Big heart from Gusler but Emmitt controlling the fight with takedowns and positional dominance on the ground. My score: 10-9 Emmitt.
Round 3: Pretty much more of the same. Takedowns and submission attempts from Emmitt, while Gusler never gives up and keeps finding a way to get back to his feet. Emmitt finishes the round again in dominant position. My score: 10-9 Emmitt.
Lee Emmitt wins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26).
ROBBY ROBERTS (194) vs DAN JENNINGS (192)
Round 1: Debut for Jennings, another Bombsquad product. Much shorter and stockier compared to the towering Roberts, but he looks strong as an ox. Jennings charges in, clinches, and wrestles Roberts down, but Roberts is quick to look for a submission and has Jennings in trouble with a triangle. Jennings fights it off for about 30 seconds but can’t find his way out and taps. Jennings is holding his chest and is in serious pain. I didn’t get any official word but it looks like a separated rib, which I’ve never experienced but must really suck.
Robby Roberts wins by triangle choke at 1:11 of round 1.
JOEL LY (153) vs BILLY WALSH (154)
Round 1: Walsh comes out to ‘Loser’ by Beck and everyone’s into it, but it’s unfortunately prophetic for how his night is going to go. Walsh wades right in, Ly lands low kick’s and defends Walsh’s takedown attempts. Ly throwing all kinds of strikes… elbows, kicks, punches, and one of them busted open a cut on top of Walsh’s clean-shaven head. Lines of plasma start streaming in different directions around his dome, and before long his whole upper body is covered. Great visual but really not a problem and there is no pause in the action. Walsh seems stronger in the clinch, and Ly fights to keep it a striking match and away from the mat. Walsh misfires on a takedown and gets mounted by Ly. Nice sweep from Walsh, but Ly goes for a triangle. Back up. Walsh has a gash in the corner of his eyebrow too. My score: 10-9 Ly.
Round 2: Ly lands a low blow but they restart quickly. Walsh high kick lands. Back and forth… really good fight. Ly trip takedown, into half-guard. Swept and scrambling, Walsh might have the grappling, or at least positional control on the ground. Now Ly on top. Walsh looks for a guillotine, Ly moves to full mount and unloads a ton of strikes. What he lacks in power he makes up for in volume. Lots of volume. My score: 10-9 Ly.
Round 3: Striking to start, Walsh single-leg takedown but Ly throws up what at first is a loose, sloppy triangle, but on second attempt is tight and deeper. Walsh in trouble and taps. They separate and both guys fall to the mat, and if you just tuned in you wouldn’t know who won and lost… both of them very emotional. This was another great fight.
Joel Ly wins by triangle at 1:45 of round 3.
STEPHEN STENGEL (168) vs ANTHONY KAPONIS (169)
Stengel was originally supposed to be fighting Scott Nichols, and Anthony Kaponis stepped in on just a couple days notice after fighting very recently.
Round 1: Stengel comes out swinging and is all-out offense. Good knees in the clinch from Stengel and another good exchange that Stengel wins. He looks like he might overwhelm Kaponis early, but Kaponis stays in the pocket and gets a takedown. Stengel back up. Big body shot on the clinch by Stengel. Now Stengel looks for a takedown but ends up on his back. Kaponis in half-guard and around to Stengel’s back. Several quick positional changes, and then on the feet again. Kaponis another good takedown and now Stengel looking tired. Kaponis gets mount and lands some crushing shots. Stengel trying to get out but gives up his back and eats several more big shots. His nose is busted open and he’s done. Another well-timed stoppage from Kevin. Great resilience from Kaponis to weather the early storm.
Anthony Kaponis wins by TKO at 4:34 of round 1.
LUIS FELIX (155) vs NOAH WEISMAN (155)
Round 1: Felix starts with a low kick and then a nice left. Clinch, in the corner against the ropes for a minute until broken up by the ref. Felix nice uppercut and then a big knee as Weisman gets in close. Noah looks like he wants to stand and trade but Felix is the bigger of the two and looks like he’s got KO power. Big kick to the midsection from Weisman followed up by a left straight. Good combination. Fast pace being held by Weisman. More clinching against the ropes. 10 seconds left and Felix closes with a takedown right at the bell. Most people might give this round to Felix, but in my opinion it was more or less a 10-10 round, and a takedown at the bell doesn’t change the fight at all. Great start.
Round 2: Weisman another big kick to the midsection, and then a low kick that lands as Felix is off-balance, and he falls to the mat. Weisman darts in and is in half-guard. Weisman has a brown belt and this could be trouble for Felix. Pass to side control, but great job by Felix able to find a way back to his feet. Felix now clowning Weisman, with his hands at his side asking Weisman to punch him. Weisman obliges and Felix counters with a head kick that misses, and he slips to the floor. Back up, clinch in the corner, which is happening a lot in this fight. Another very close round that shows how difficult MMA judging is. I have it 10-9 for Weisman, but neither guy has a clear advantage at this point in the fight.
Round 3: Weisman low kick. Big exchanges on the feet. Another one of those punishing kicks to the midsection from Weisman and they must be taking their toll. Body shot from Weisman. Felix trying to fight back but this is trouble… he’s up against the ropes and Weisman launches a vicious knee to the head. One more hook from Weisman and Felix is down. Still awake but definitely done, and the ref jumps in. Excellent win for Weisman, showing off improved striking, and an awesome fight.
Noah Weisman wins by TKO at 1:34 of round 3.
CHRISTIAN RIVERA (144) vs DAN BONNELL (145)
Round 1: Dan is getting amped up in the corner and looks ready to go. Bonnell comes in and picks up Rivera, takes a step and slams him down to the mat. Pretty awesome looking takedown but Rivera gets back up. Bonnell presses him into the corner and unloads a pile of punches into Rivera’s face. They’re starting to add up and Rivera needs to get out of here. Both guys legs are slipping out of the ring against the ropes, causing some confusion right as Bonnell locks in a guillotine. Rivera has to tap. He’s a little upset about the tough position against the ropes, but it is what it is. Nice win for Bonnell.
Dan Bonnell wins by guillotine choke at 1:58 of round 1.
Thanks To all the fighters for making this one of the best WCF shows we have had!
Also special Thanks to the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission for there patience and professionalism while we worked through our first show together.
We look forward to many more events!
Photos and more tonight at
http://wcfighting.com/
Thanks to Joe and Rick for having us (Anthony Kaponis/American Fight Team). Another great show. Lots of great fights. WCF treats the fighters like true professionals and its always a pleasure to fight for them.
There was a short time ago when my comments, like them or not were being directed at promotions in regards to the lacking numbers and production being brought forth. I am going to start to lay a little blame around here as well in regards to fighters and fans as well. Fighters first, you guys need to sell tickets! This is your livelyhood, and profession. Shows will not succeed without fans coming to see you fight. Look at it as a commission based job, you want to make money, you need to hustle, and create a buzz for yourself. Self promotion is the best key. Very few instances recently have fighters been called up because they are fun to be around, or are such great athletes that its just not fathomable for them to not be considered top talent. Ticket sales, marketability are 2 of the main ingredients major organizations look for.
Now the fans, yes the economy is bad, yes shows are not convieniently located, but this is the sport you claim to love as you tote around your 16oz Bud and Tapout shirt. Then get out there and support these guys that put it all on the line for you to spectate!
The commission has made it very unapealing in recent months to get access to show cards and fight lineups. How the hell is a promotion supposed to advertise their event if there is nothing to advertise??Oh, excuse me, up until the day or two before the show….ya, makes alot of sense I guess. The determination of this panel to simply suffocate the sport in this area has become overwhelmingly and abundantly clear. Not only aspect from vendors and fighters, but from your everyday fan as well who speaks out in the crowd.
Now it did appear that WCF, had its share of unfortunate series prior to the start of this event, and to credit Rick Caldwell, it all did pan out very well. A card that was not a stellar line up and lent minimal excitement to the naked eye, did find a way to pack a punch, and deliver the goods in another sense that you leave the venue talking about”that fight”. In the end, thats the key ingredient. Although, my spectating eyes have found a strew of holes in the WCF approach that definitely need to be addressed in the near future to ensue this organizations existence. Joe Cav has entitled himself to being the pioneer in this region for top quality fights, time to defend and honor that title my friend! And I do use the term friend, because I have had a series of good talks with Joe, and believe him to be one of the utmost respected people in the game today.
From the guys in the black shirts, to the guys in the red and blue corners, to the guys hammered out in section 33, seat 14 thru 18….things seem to be in need of change in this area? Who will be the promotion to stand up and call itself the premiere fighting organization of the North East? That my dear friends and fans can only be determined with one show stepping up, spending a bit to make a bit, and expanding outside the reaches of the state of Mass, and into New England! Easier said than done Im sure to a degree, but where the means are put in place, it can be accomplished.In the end, there is a sufficient need to give the FANS what they want be it above or below, what the FIGHTERS deserve and are entitled to. I have said it before, and will profess it again…without these two factions being humbly and engreagiously pacified, there is no long term fix for the sport in Mass
Overall though, kudos to Joe and Rick for establishing a great show, Now be it not to toot my own horn, or self promote my own individual talents, if you have any questions in regards to some of the things that can happen and are possible, I would love the opportunity to compare brain pans, and throw ideas at eachother as to my visions!That could be a great meeting of the minds…haha. After all, in this region, and in this sport, the motto stands the test of endurance….’there can be only one”……..
Anyone know what happened to Scotty Nichols? What was the attendance? WCF usually draws between 2-3,000 I thought?…
mma insider, what did u say your real name is?
‘insert michael jackson eating popcorn gif here’
I agree with the “insider” insider about fans stepping up and buying some more tix as well as the fighters selling more tix. But lets look at what nobody wants to acknowledge, the Commission killing the sport/industry. WCF was an awesome card, thanks to Rick bustin his butt. At the end of the day, WCF took a hit because the one ALL PRO show couldn’t confirm fights due to all other promotions having to go all pro and the state doing what they do best, causing headaches and getting in the way. You have a commish of 5 where 3 for sure have NO BACKGROUND WHATSOEVER in the sport, but they want to “weigh in” on what they think is “important.” There is a question which needs to be asked,and I guess I’m the guy to do it:
WHO PAID WHAT AND TO WHOM ON MA COMMISH TO ENSURE THAT AMATEUR MMA GOT KILLED??????????????????????
Oh yeah, I said it. With a boxing commission now sanctioning MMA we can assume that there are dealings that are “less than legal.” Here is how I see it: All but one promotion(WCF) relied on amateurs to make shows profitable. MSAC comes in and kills Am’s. MSAC approves 1 AM org because they are “not for profit”. Seems good right? Only said org does not require meds, but state says you must. Org. says you MUST buy our insurance (ahhhhhh that explaing the “not for profit” thing!!) then state says “no you can’t do that” . Then, said org. hires former owner of “successful” ammy fight league to be their rep. (let me get this right, former OWNER of a promo gives it up to become rep of a “not for profit” to get $200 per show………………………………hmmmmmmmm) WAIT………………………………………..it’s not $200/show, it’s also a 4 star Hotel, 3 course meal, and mileage from western MA to event. Sounds like a great deal, eh?????????
At the end of the day, this is not rocket science: Stay out of the matchmaking business (you have no idea what you are talking about), let promoters book amateurs thru more than one group (i.e. monopoly), and be a help not a hinderance.
Together we can!
Bold words from Scott, and I agree to an extent with his views and opinion, way to call a scam a scam. Theresd alot of undertoned speaking in closed corners about this exact point. Takes a solid decision to come out and call it. If those facts are true, then its a shame that MMA has endured the same gameplan that Boxing took, because when you look at the record for boxing…well its not so good. When you look at states that are doing well with MMA, California, Florida, even Texas has really stepped it up, and New Jersey, there is no political scamming, well….(atleast to a regulated sense..haha), theres no decension amongst the sport and the organizations. Theres an established set of rules to benefit all, not hinder. Yes, I understand the learning curve, and the need to iron out the wrinkles, but Scott brings up the good point of how about people who know what the sport consists of and how the local scene works. Our sport has been pirated, and is now held captive.
And Mike Varner, my name is Troy, you can find all my stats in previous posts. I actually attempted to confront you 2 times at WCF, now be it intentional or not, you seemed to have something to do immediately knowing I was coming towards you…haha…intentional or coincidence???
I agree with Scott,
Amateur MMA in Mass is dead right now. Let me tell you something, The Youth in this state is what keeps MMA growing. Crushing amateur MMA as the commission is doing now, prohibits our youth from the experience they so undoubtably need to step to the ranks of a pro.
Using myself as an example, I could have used the amateur MMA experience to become a better fighter. I am 10-7 overall in Pro MMA with no amateur record. Yet i’m 9-3 in my last 12 bouts, had i taken some amateur fights i could have ironed out those kinks long ago. My point is, These Fighters are jumping into a professional level of fighting with no prior MMA experience at any level because you (MSAC) are making it so difficult. These fighters are turning pro with zero experience and will soon come to regret their anxiousness as do i now 4 years later. Furthermore, these fighters making their pro debut as well as their MMA debut are using knee’s and elbows to the head? This is a mistake. how is an 18 year old kid to fight pro with unified rules and last 10 years in a sport with no experience?
Amateur MMA is a tool in many ways. The good fighters use it to gain experience to move on to pro and become something, Trainers and coaches use it to gauge if some of these fighters in his/her room truly are ready for this. Regular people, fans etc. can “try” MMA at this level and have fun with it and not have to feel like they need to make it their life to train every day, watch their weight, etc. and Promoters (like myself) use amateur MMA to build fighters, strengthen a league’s professional division with depth of younger fighters to come up and replace the pro’s one day.
Troy, sorry I kinda blew you off at WCF. I knew it was you when you said hi, how’s it going, or whatever standard greeting you threw out…I was running out back to deal with an issue and didn’t have time to talk…just didn’t want you to think I was a dick for the sake of being a dick.
Thanks Rick for calling last minute and allowing me to fight for wcf. Also mmainsider i do agree fighters do need to sell tickets however considering the economy and abundance of shows being thrown within a month in close proximity it is hard to sell as many tickets as necessary there are too many shows within a months time in order for promoters to make a decent profit i am not attacking any promotion i am only stating an observation and am glad to see MMA growing so rapidly in MA.
No problem Rick, I could see you had your work cut out for you that night, no offense taken, Im sorry I called you Rich…haha
First, I gotta give Steve Rita the credit for the Stengel/Kaponis stoppage, it was actually him reffing that fight and yes, it was a great stop.
Next, congrats to Rick for putting together some of the best fights we’ve seen in a long time. The last minute matches and cancellations you spoke of did not show through in the final product. The fights were great.
Finally, one of the other important aspects of amateur MMA is a training ground for officials. I feel strongly that a new referee’s first bout in the cage should not be with professionals who are making their living/providing for their family by fighting. The pros are deserving of having the most highly trained and experienced officials out there. Amateur MMA is where tomorrows officials can learn and develop their skillset. In the amateur ranks fighters are not getting paid and their professional record is not an issue. This allows new referees to develop their judgement and practice the art of “erring on the side of caution.” As they build their resume and earn a positive reputation, they become ready to transition to the professional level.
I hope that more Amateur MMA sanctioning bodies are approved quickly. As long as they are all following the proper safety protocols I feel that competition among organizations will improve the quality of the product, and hopefully keep the costs low for those involved.
Great point Kevin!!! Yet another reason for amateur MMA in Mass!!! C’mon commission!!! Listen up!!!!!!!
anyone know where there is a video of the fights?
Nichols is just an overrated punk. I have no idea why he is even ranked, he has fought a bunch of stiffs. Sooner or later he will fight a real opponent and everyone will see what kind of fighter he really is.
Why was Mike Varner denied a corners license? I mean seriously, how is it a conflict of interest to be a matchmaker for one promotion and a corner for a totally different one. It’s not like he had his guy fighting on one of his cards. What was he gonna yell “certain instructions” which would put his guy in a position to effect the success of the promotion? Seriously, it seems that these commissioners (or at least most of them) are quintessential “hacks”, you know, “beautiful people/ we know better than you/ how dare you question us/ DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?/ I got beat up in high school and now will control the lives of those who actually are tough and succeeded based on merit” Hope they all enjoy Bunker Hill day while shows continue to fail!
Was the legalization of MMA to promote commerce and revenue for MA or to kill the sport and get paid 2x/year when big shows come?? I think they have made the answer obvious.
It’s time “not to be cool” people.
What were there, 5 local shows now since the commission took over and all 5 lost money. Last year up to this point there had to have been at least 10 shows and I’m sure all did well. Great job Mass, you have done the job many of us knew you would.
The commission is here to crush this sport in the state of mass. and I have a feeling the UFC probablly won’t come back after their first encounter. If you really would like a true treat (on a side note) go sit through one of their commission meetings…I think I lost half of my brain cells after sitting through one
Varner getting denied a corner license is bullshit – there’s no conflict or interest with cornering someone.
Just to make the point again, I told you so, I told you so, I fucking told you so. Getting the commission involved in MMA has all but killed the sport.
First off i would like to apologize to joe cav, rick caldwell and the rest of the wcf organization for giving them such short notice on cancelling my fight on june 10th.Two weeks before my fight with steve stengel i suffered an injury to my neck and shoulder while training. I thought a couple days off and it would be fine but then it turned into a week and then ten days and combined with some personal problems (i do have a regular life just as all of you do and unfortunately some things happen that we can’t control ) put me in a position where i had no choice but to call off the fight. Although i had thoughts of still competing i listened to reason and realized i would be letting down those who have supported me, my team and my coach KRU MARK by fighting when i was not 100% physically or mentlly. I’ve learned a lot about this sport in the last year both good and bad but i still have a ways to go in dealing with organizations, promoters, managers etc. and i hope to do better. My dad told me with age comes wisdom, well the 19 year old has now turned 20 and i promise i will grow both as a fighter and more importantly as a man. Once again joe, rick, kru mark i apologize and if the wcf wants me to fight for them in the future i will be there…..scott nichols